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THE  ROUT  OF  THE 
PHILISTINES 


THE  TWENTIETH  GROVE  PLAY 
OFTHE  BOHEMIAN  CLUB 


1922 


THE  ROUT  OF  THE 
PHILISTINES 

A  FOREST  PLAY 

BY 

CHARLES  G.  NORRIS 

MUSIC  BY 

NINO  MARCELLI 

THE  TWENTIETH  GROVE  PLAY  OF  THE 
BOHEMIAN  CLUB  OF  SAN  FRANCISCO 

As  performed  by  its  members 
in  the  Bohemian  Grove,  Sonoma  County,  California 

on  the  twenty-ninth  of  July 
nineteen  hundred  and  twenty-two 


SAN  FRANCISCO 

BOHEMIAN  CLUB 

1922 


COPYRIGHT  1922 

BY  BOHEMIAN  CLUB 

SAN  FRANCISCO 


PRINTED  BY  ISAAC  UPHAM  Co., 
SAN  FRANCISCO,  CALIFORNIA 


THE  ROUT  OF  THE  PHILISTINES 

A  FOREST  PLAY 


DEDICATED  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

GREAT  AND  GENTLE  BOHEMIAN 

FRANK  L.  MATHIEU 


But  here  before  you  stands  a  god  in  truth, 
Or  if  no  god,  the  symbol  of  a  god; 
Te  would  do  well  to  fall  upon  your  knees 
And  worship  him,  j or  he  is  inspiration, 
And  kindleth  aspiration,  attributes 
Of  gods  alone. 


PERSONS  OF  THE  PLAY 


AARON,  High  Priest  of  the  Philistines 

MALCHALM,  Priest 

ABIMELECH,  King  of  the  Philistines 
ACKISH,  Prince,  Son  of  Abimelech 
MOAB,  Tutor  to  the  Prince  . 
DOR,  Servant  to  the  Prince  .      .      . 
HAMUL,  Captain  of  the  Host     .      . 

GAZA  } 

ASHKELON 
LORDS  OF    GATH 

ASHOD 

EKRON 

SAPH,  Son  of  Rapha,  King  of  the  Anakims 
AMON,  Script  Writer 
SISERA,  Musician 
BOAZ,  Sculptor 


Lords  of  the 
Philistines 


RICHARD  M.  HOTALING 
.  JOSEPH  S.  THOMPSON 
.  MORRIS  W.  ANKRUM 
.  RICHARD  A.  LEONARD 
GEORGE  S.  MAGEE 
.  .  EASTON  KENT 

WILLIAM  B.  HANLEY,  JR. 

LEO  CUNNINGHAM 

LESTER  SEIB 

E.  MALCOLM  CAMERON 

FRANK  E.  RODOLPH 

JOHN  R.  GWYNN 

WILLIAM  S.  RAINEY 


[GORDON  DAVIS 

Slaves  of  the  J  FREDERICK  THOMPSON 
iihstmes       ^DAVID  R  ElSENBACH 

MESSENGER JESSE  L.  PECK 

SOLDIER WM.C.  SHIELS 

APPARITION  of  King  Rapha     ....    MELVILLE  C.  THRELKELD 

MOTHER'S  SONG,  sung  by STEPHEN  BOWERS 

Chorus  of  Priests,  Nobles,  Zealots,  Soldiers,  Slaves,  Litter  Bearers 


M.  ANGELL 
M.  ANGER 
A.  A.  ARBOGAST 
R.  A.  BROWN 
P.  S.  CARLTON 
W.  L.  COZZENS 
M.  E.  CRESWELL 
T.  G.  ELLIOTT 
J.  O.  ENGLAND 
C.  E.  ENGVICK 
C.  J.  EVANS 
W.  B.  FIEDLITZ 
H.  FREEMAN 
E.  GERSON 
R.  A.  GLENN 
C.  E.  GREENFIELD 
C.  HARRIS 
R.  B.  HEATH 


G.  BROWN 

E.  J.  CARDINAL 

WM.  CROSS 


CHORUS  OF  PRIESTS 

CHESTER  HEROLD 

E.  V.  HOLTON 
W.  F.  HOOKE 
O.  JOHNSON 

A.  G.  KELLOGG 
W.  R.  KNEISS 
R.  H.  LACHMUND 
G.  LANE 
CHAS.  M.  LEE 

R.  LUNDGREN 

R.  I.  LYNAS 

F.  A.  MACK 
H.  MALDE 

E.  H.  McCANDLISH 

J.  McEwiNG 

F.  MUELLER 
A.  E.  MEYERS 
R.  M.  NEILLY 

CHORUS  OF  KINGSMEN 

D.  A.  ERVIN 
W.  H.  HOPKINSON 
W.  A.  MITCHELL 
P.  J.  MOHR 

DANCE  OF  THE  ZEALOTS 


R.  O'BRIEN 
H.  L.  PERRY 
G.  B.  PETERSON 
R.  PROBASCO 

G.  PURLENKY 

E.  W.  ROLAND 
J.  S.  SELFRIDGE 

B.  M.  STICK 
A.  H.  STILL 
J.  F.  TALBOT 
J.  M.  TEEL 
J.  A.  THOMAS 
W.  B.  THOMPSON 

C.  F.  VOLKER 

P.  H.  WARD 
M.  WHITE 
G.  R.  WILLIAMS 
W.  S.  WILSON 
A.  Y.  WOOD 


H.  ORR 

J.  I.  THOMAS 

T.  G.  WHITAKER 


WM.  LINDLEY  ABBOTT 
S.  W.  BLUM 
A.  M.  BROWN 
LESLIE  CUPPLES 
WM.  H.  CUPPLES 
FRED  B.  DAVIS 


C.  DECHENT 
CHESTER  DECHENT 
GEORGE  HAMMERSMITH 
FRED  W.  KAPPELMAN 
JOHN  MESSERSMITH 
HARVEY  R.  OLDS 


LELAND  S.  POOLE 
DANCE  OF  THE  DRYADS 


WM.  LINDLEY  ABBOTT 
S.  W.  BLUM 
FRED  B.  DAVIS 
CHARLES  DECHENT 


FRED  W.  KAPPELMAN 
HARVEY  R.  OLDS 
LELAND  S.  POOLE 
WILLIAM  S.  RAINEY 


RETAINERS  OF  THE  LORDS 
GAZA'S  RETAINERS 


C.  H.  BENTLEY 
J.  R.  SELBY 


DONZEL  STONEY 
WM.  L.  SHAW 


GATH'S  RETAINERS 


GEO.  Q.  CHASE 
JOHN  HOWELL 


J.  B.  McCARGAR 

DONALD  MCLAREN 


ASHOD'S  RETAINERS 


B.  D.  DEAN 
R.  W.  MAPLES 


J.  D.  MlLLIKIN 

WM.  K.  WHITE 


ASHKELON'S  RETAINERS 


J.  C.  ATWOOD 
C.  T.  CROCKER 


G.  J.  HENRY 
ARMSTRONG  TAYLOR 


W.  R.  BACON 
C.  C.  DOBIE 


EKRON'S  RETAINERS 


GEO.  VAN  SMITH 

R.  L.  McWlLLIAMS 


HAMUL'S  MEN 


M.  ANGER 
A.  A.  ARBOGAST 
H.  H.  DIGNAN 
T.  G.  ELLIOTT 
C.  E.  ENGVICK 
G.  H.  EVANS 
G.  J.  HATFIELD 


C.  HEROLD 

E.  V.  HOLTON 

F.  W.  KROLL 
A.  E.  MEYERS 
J.  A.  MOORE 
R.  O'BRIEN 

G.  B.  STACY 


B.  M.  STICK 


LITTER  BEARERS 


C.  W.  B.  CORNELIUS 
W.  A.  DWIGHT 


T.  C.  PALMER 
H.  C.  TAFT 


DIRECTOR  GENERAL  . 

FOR  THE  JINKS  COMMITTEE FREDERICK  A.  DENICKE 

DIRECTOR REGINALD  TRAVERS 

LIGHTING  EFFECTS  AND  ILLUMINATION     .     RAY  F.  COYLE 

/HOMER  ANSLEY 
Assisted  by  j    EDWIN  L.  OLIVER 

COSTUMES  AND  PROPERTIES       .      .      .    FRANK  J.  VAN  SLOUN 

LUCIEN  LABAUBT 


Assisted  by 


RAY  BOYNTON 
HARRY  P.  CARLTON 


HARRY  S.  FONDA 

SCENIC  EFFECTS HERBERT  A.  SCHMIDT 

DIRECTOR  OF  DANCES GEORGE  HAMMERSMITH 

CONDUCTOR NINO  MARCELLI 

DIRECTOR  OF  CHORUS         EUGENE  BLANCHARD 

CONCERT  MASTER ALEXANDER  SASLAVSKY 

ORCHESTRA  MANAGER        ....    WALTER  OESTERREICHER 
PROMPTER  FRANK  C.  SHAUGHNESSY 


PLAN  OF  MUSIC 

Prelude 

Invocation  to  Dagon 

Entrance  of  the  Lords  of  Philistia 

Hail  Philistia! 

The  Glorification  of  Dagon 

Dance  of  the  Zealots 

The  Return  of  Hamul  and  his  Men 

Saph's  Narrative 

The  Mother's  Song 

Finale 


THE  PROLOGUE 

SCENE 

A  woodland  glade,  shrouded  in  the  mystery  of  dark  night, 
and  the  profound  solemnity  of  great  trees.  Glimmerings  of 
dawn  are  followed  by  the  slow  awakening  of  the  forest.  Calls 
of  woodland  spirits  are  heard,  some  cheerful,  some  sad,  some 
tortured.  As  the  light  increases,  ACKISH,  the  young  Prince  of 
Philistia,  is  discovered  asleep.  Plaintive  cries  continue  to  be 
heard,  and  gradually  creatures  of  the  forest  become  discern- 
able:  dryads,  a  Pan,  timid  fauns  and  elves.  They  discover 
the  Prince,  and  indicate  their  curiosity  and  interest.  One 
bolder  dryad  detaches  himself  from  his  fellows  and  draws 
near  for  closer  inspection.  In  pantomimic  dance,  he  portrays 
his  admiration  for  the  sleeping  youth,  his  fear  of  impending 
tragedy,  his  eagerness  for  friendship,  and  a  pressing  need  of 
assistance.  Warnings  of  approaching  danger  are  heard,  and 
the  dryad  and  other  woodland  creatures  flee  in  alarm.  The 
forest  illuminated,  now,  reveals  the  entrance  of  MOAB,  fol 
lowed  by  DOR. 

MOAB 

My  task  is  done,  and  like  a  tethered  hound, 
I  strain  the  leash  that  binds  me.  Fain  would  I 
Begone.  The  hour  attends  when  we  depart; 
The  kindly  breeze  that  sees  us  homeward  bound 
Already  stirs  the  canvas  of  our  sails. 
Where  waits  the  Prince? 

DOR 

He  was  enamored  of 

A  woodland  glade, — just  such  a  one  as  this, — 
And  told  me  he  would  there  abide  alone, 
Till  we  returned. 

[13] 


MOAB 

I  fear  the  way  is  lost, 
And  that  thou  art  uncertain  of  the  spot. 
Thy  negligence  may  cost  us  dear.   The  King, 
Abimelech,  almost  a  year  ago, 
Did  charge  me  with  the  keeping  of  his  son, 
Did  bid  me  journey  to  far-distant  lands, 
And  show  to  him  the  wonders  of  the  world. 
He  did  entrust  me  with  the  Prince,  and  I 
Have  loved  my  charge.    To  Egypt  have  we  been, 
To  Tyre,  Sidon,  and  to  Babylon, 
And  no  misfortune  hath  befallen  us. 
But  now  upon  the  brink  of  our  return, 
When  we  within  the  hour  sail  for  home 
To  bring  the  Prince  of  all  the  Philistines, 
Unto  the  King,  his  father, — doth  mishap 
Waylay  our  steps!   Woe,  woe  betide  thee,  Dor, 
If  he  be  harmed! 

DOR 

Good  Moab,  be  assured, — 
He  is  not  far.     'Twas  some  such  spot  as  this. 
Lo,  there  he  is!  Asleep!  Praised  be  the  gods! 
For  thou  didst  fill  me  with  disquietude. 

MOAB 

It  is  the  Prince!   And  it  is  well  for  thee, 

No  harm  hath  come  to  him.  He  must  awake, 

For  it  behooves  us  to  be  gone;  the  sea 

Lies  just  beyond  the  hill;  the  eager  ship 

Doth  strain  her  moorings  e'en  as  strains  my  heart 

To  carry  safe  my  cargo  home  again, 

Discharge  my  freight,  and  give  my  King  account. 


DOR 

Philistia!   Thy  Prince  restored  to  thee 
Shall  shortly  be,  our  mission  safely  done! 

MOAB 
Awake  thy  master.  We  must  not  delay. 

DOR 

O  Prince  awake!    My  master  Ackish  'wake! 
Arise!    The  hour  is  come  when  we  depart, 
The  good  ship  waits,  our  year  of  travel  far 
Is  o'er  and  we  our  faces  turn  toward  home. 

ACKISH  (awakening,  bewildered) 
Ah,  what  say  you?  .  .  .  Good  Moab,  faithful  Dor? 
Ah,  what  a  dream  had  I, — or  was  it  dream 
Or  vision  of  my  sleep?  .  .  .  Thy  hand,  my  boy. 
.  .  .  Oh,  horrible  illusion !    Dream  I  still?  .  .  . 

MOAB 

Not  so,  my  lord,  we  do  depart  straightway 
For  fair  Philistia's  shores.  I  have  secured 
A  timely  passage  and  we  sail  forthwith. 

ACKISH  (still  bewildered) 
Such  odious  crime, — such  foul  and  wanton  murder! 

MOAB 
What  troubles  thee,  my  Prince  ? 

ACKISH 

My  dream — my  dream ! 
MOAB 
A  figment  of  the  brain,  of  no  import. 

ACKISH 
Not  so.  This  fancy  of  my  troubled  sleep 


Was  all  too  vivid,  too  appalling  strange 
To  have  no  portent. 

DOR 

Hadst  thou  visions,  then  ? 

ACKISH 

Aye,  visions,  and  a  troubling  revelation ! 
Good  Moab, — see  this  quiet,  leafy  glade? 
It  did  enchant  me  when  I  came  on  it,— 
These  stately  trees,  these  noble  columned  timbers, 
Rising  in  serried  ranks  like  sentinels 
About  this  grove.    I,  drinking  of  its  peace, 
Did  lay  me  down  and  soon  I  was  asleep. 
And  as  I  slept,  strange  creatures  came  to  me 
From  out  the  woods,  dryads  and  woodland  sprites, 
And  these  grave  trunks  took  on  a  gentle  mien, 
And  like  a  kindly  race  of  giant  friends 
They  showed  to  me  their  hearts — their  simple  souls! 
Thus  saw  I  them  as  guardians  of  the  world, 
Beloved  by  bird  and  beast — by  all  the  life 
That  stirred  and  rustled,  and  was  not  afraid 
So  near  to  them !    The  elves  and  fauns  and  fays, 
With  music  and  with  laughter  ringed  them  round, 
So  that  mine  eyes  were  wet  with  tears  of  joy, 
My  soul  stirred  deep  with  beauty.    Sudden  changed 
The  dream :  a  troop  of  harsh  and  bloody  fiends 
Burst  in — they  slew  these  trees — they  hacked  them  down! 
They  dragged  their  bodies  off  for  gain,  they  left 
Their  noble  crowns,  their  princely  vesture  here 
To  wither,  mold,  disintegrate — decay! 
And  all  this  lovely  opulence  of  green 
Became  a  wilderness,  wind-swept  and  bare, 
Deserted  by  the  laughing  merry  nymphs, 

fi61 


The  little  peeping  elves  who  danced  for  Pan, 
Except  where  some  poor  fallen  tree  lay  dead, 
Forgotten,  left  to  rot!  There  grasses  bloomed, 
And  loving  vines  crept  o'er  the  broken  corse, 
And  hid  the  wound,  and  in  the  narrow  shade, 
There  lurked  a  weeping  dryad,  torn  by  grief! 

0  horrid  sight!  Would  I  might  lift  my  hand 
To  save  a  thing  so  noble!  God-like  trees, 
Thy  purpose  never  falters;  steadfast,  sure, 
Thou  ever  pointest  upward!  Beauteous  things, 

1  would  befriend  thee  if  I  might,  and  serve 
Thee  half  as  staunchly  as  thou  servest  me! 
And  I  will  give  the  world  when  I  am  King, 
Thy  royal  dow'r  of  peace  and  fellowship, 
Of  beauty  and  of  kindness! 

MOAB 

Dear  my  lord, 

The  dream  that  so  excites  thee  hath  small  weight, 
Though  thou  hast  couched  it  in  such  moving  terms! 
Now  wake  to  action.  Soft  the  moving  feet 
Of  time  do  tip-toe  by;  our  ship  awaits 
The  turning  of  the  tide.    A  fav'ring  wind 
Toward  fair  Philistia  blows.  Thy  father's  arms 
Are  stretched  to  welcome  thee.   Let  us  depart. 

ACKISH 

Farewell,  dear  land  of  dreams !  Oh,  noble  trees, 
Be  still  my  friends  when  I  am  far  away! 
I  shall  remember  thee — thy  message  keep 
And  cherish  in  my  heart.    And  if  this  arm 
Of  mine  can  bring  thee  succor  in  thy  hour 
Of  need,  its  strength  is  thine.    Farewell  O  trees ! 
I  shall  remember  thee.    Farewell!    Farewell! 

[Exeunt 

[17] 


THE  PLAY 

.  .  .  Dwelt  therein  in  times  past  a  people  great,  and  many 
and  tall  as  the  Anakims;  which  also  were  accounted 
giants.  .  .  . 

DEUTERONOMY  II:io,  u. 

SCENE. — A  sacred  forest  grove  outside  the  'Temple  of 
Dagon  at  Gaza  in  Philistia.  Facade  of  temple  at  R.  with 
broad  steps  leading  down.  A  chant  of  the  priests  of  Dagon 
is  heard;  as  the  hymn  approaches  its  conclusion,  the  priests 
file  from  the  temple  singing,  followed  by  AARON,  MALCHALM, 
and  attendant  group  of  slaves. 

HYMN  TO  DAGON 

Dagon Dagon Dagon! 

Humbly  our  homage  we  yield, 

Lord  of  the  vines  and  the  harvest, 
Lord  of  the  flock  and  the  field, 

Guardian  of  streams  and  of  fountains, 

Mighty  one,  wise  to  direct  us, 

Fling  o'er  our  forests  and  mountains, 

All  of  thy  might  to  protect  us 
Hark  to  our  voices  repeating, 
Hark  to  our  cries  and  entreating, 

Be  to  thy  people  a  shield! 

D  agon D  agon D  agon ! 

Now  when  the  famine  is  near  us, 
Fallen  and  vanished  our  glory, 

God  of  the  powerless  cheer  us, 

Lift  thou  the  crops  that  are  failing, 
Hark,  how  the  foeman  rejoices, 
Widowed  and  fatherless  wailing, 
Canst  thou  be  deaf  to  their  voices? 


Dagon,  ail  wise  and  forgiving, 
Grant  us  the  sweetness  of  living, 
Thou  who  are  merciful,  hear  us! 

Dagon —  — Dagon Dagon! 

Here  at  thy  temple  we  sue  thee. 

Now  shall  the  smoke  from  the  body 
Of  the  live  offering  woo  thee 

Into  thine  hour  of  kindness. 

Dagon,  we  storm  at  thy  portals! 

Thou  wilt  forgive  us  our  blindness, 

Mighty  one,  we  are  but  mortals! 
And  while  the  sacrifice  fuming, 
Softens  thee  toward  our  presuming, 

We  shall  do  homage  unto  thee! 

AARON 

The  hour  draws  near  when  King  Abimelech 
Holds  council  grave  before  great  Dagon's  shrine, 
From  Ashkelon,  and  Gaza,  Ekron,  Gath, 
From  distant  Ashod  come  our  noble  Lords 
To  legislate  such  measures  as  may  bring 
The  speedy  help  our  people  sorely  need. 
Let  Dagon's  priests  prepare  the  council  seats. 
[Descends  to  lowest  stage. 

MALCHALAM  (to  attendants) 
Swift  take  ye  heed  of  Aaron's  words.     Set  forth 
Such  stalls  as  may  most  seemingly  befit 
The  dignity  and  honor  of  the  court. 

[Joins   AARON    on   lowest  stage   while  priests   and 
slaves  bring  from  the  temple  the  seats  for  the  council 
ring.  After  these  are  arranged^  they  withdraw. 
High  Priest,  it  is  a  bitter  hour  that  brings 
The  King  and  Lords  of  all  the  Philistines 

[19] 


In  august  council  on  this  troubled  day. 

Does  Dagon  sleep,  while  we  who  watch  and  pray, 

Must  also  watch  hope  die,  and  faith  depart, 

Our  country  fall  in  ruin, — pass  away? 

His  favor — Dagon's  favor,  the  supreme,— 

Hath  been  denied  his  faithful  worshippers 

The  season's  round.    And  fresh  misfortune  seeks 

With  eager  clasp  the  hand  of  stale  ill-luck, 

Familiar  hardship  ever  at  our  backs. 

Our  stately  ships  lie  broken  on  the  rocks, 

Our  busy  marts,  ere  now  Philistia's  pride, 

Stand  empty  and  forlorn;  the  barren  fields 

Lie  fallow,  waste  by  drought,  and  pestilence 

And  hunger  take  their  daily  toll  of  life. 

AARON 

Tis  bitter  truth.   Philistia's  breasts  are  dry. 
The  little  children  mouth  their  hands  for  food. 

MALCHALM 

A  sorry  state,  but  one  which  cannot  be 
Alleviated  by  decree  or  law, 
The  rulers  of  our  cities,  and  our  King 
Meet  here  to-day  at  Gaza's  judgment-seat, 
To  legislate  some  measure  to  restore 
Prosperity  and  plenty  once  again. 
Tis  idle  effort.     Law  nor  statute  will 
Avail  while  Dagon  frowns.  'Twere  better  far 
To  sue  the  god  for  grace,  engage  his  favor, 
Propitiate  him  in  his  deep  displeasure. 

AARON 

And  what  e're  now  hath  never  failed  to  'suage 
Great  Dagon's  wrath?    What  hath  unfailingly 
Appeased  him,  pacified  his  angry  heart? 

[20] 


MALCHALM 

A  living  sacrifice  of  gentle  blood, 
A  noble  youth  of  princely  lineage 
Our  mighty  god  doth  crave  above  all  else. 
No  common  mortal  sates  his  appetite; 
Oblations  of  patrician  rank  alone 
Will  glut  his  maw,  and  gratify  his  greed. 

AARON 

Thou  speakest  very  truth,  and  to  provide 
Such  sacrifice  to  palliate  our  god, 
Meet  here  our  noble  Lords  and  gracious  King. 
No  purpose  theirs  to  promulgate  decrees, 
But  theirs  to  formulate  a  plan  whereby 
Almighty  Dagon  may  be  satisfied. 

MALCHALM 

What  death  more  precious  could  there  be  than  one 
By  which  the  suffering  of  mankind  might  cease! 

AARON 

Yet  though  among  our  royal  princes  stood 
There  one  to  welcome  such  a  martyrdom, 
Accept  the  fiery  kiss  from  Dagon's  lips, 
His  ardent  clasp,  his  passionate  embrace, 
Twere  needless  death,  a  futile  sacrifice. 
There  dwells  not  two  moons'  journey  from  our  land 
A  race  of  giants  all  of  noble  blood, 
The  Anakims, — great-limbed,  with  towering  heads 
Uplifted  to  the  skies. 

MALCHALM 

Above  all  else 

Desired  most  by  Dagon.     Well  I  know 
The  great  god's  hunger  for  these  mighty  men. 

[21] 


AARON 

The  tigress  calling  for  her  mate,  the  wolf 
Long  on  his  quarry's  trail,  hot  for  his  prey, 
The  mother  yearning  o'er  her  ailing  child, 
The  wanton  mad  to  satisfy  her  lust, 
None  craves  as  Dagon  craves  the  noble  blood 
And  savory  flesh  of  these  colossal  men. 

MALCHALM 

The  season's  lagging  circle  is  complete 
Since  sacrifice  to  Dagon  hath  been  made. 
How  comes  it  that  so  long  a  time  hath  'lapsed 
Ere  we  have  had  a  captive  from  this  land? 

AARON 

Knowst  thou  the  lofty  stature  and  the  size, 
The  bulk  and  brawny  magnitude  these  men 
Attain  ?    Like  mighty  columns  stand  they  fast, 
Their  feet  among  the  grasses  of  the  plain,^ 
Their  heads  among  the  clouds.     Majestically 
They  lift  themselves  in  towering  stateliness. 
Of  peace  they  are  and  disposition  mild, 
Unwarlike,  helpless  'gainst  the  keen-edged  sword. 
'Twere  idle  otherwise  to  dare  presume 
Philistia's  men  of  valor  might  prevail 
In  combat  o'er  such  formidable  foes. 
Great  age  they  know,  a  thousand  years  and  more, 
Each  twelve-month  adding  to  their  magnitude. 
Their  King, — old  Rapha,  venerable,  seer, — 
A  mighty  monarch,  oldest  of  them  all, — 
'Tis  said  was  born  while  yet  the  world  was  new, 
Ere  pigmy  man  in  cities  walled  himself, 
Or  hid  in  houses' fearful  of  the  storm. 

[22] 


MALCHALM 

How  comes  it  then  our  valiant  fighting  men 
From  forays  e'er  victorious  'gainst  this  foe 
Bring  hither  captives  of  no  stature  huge, 
But  youths  of  size  and  height  no  more  than  ours, 
Alike  to  us,  to  any  Philistine, 
Nor  taller  by  so  much  as  half  a  head  ? 

AARON 

Such  captives  are  but  striplings  of  the  race, 
Their  younger  sons,  in  age  a  score  of  years. 
Whereas  we  reach  our  height  at  man's  estate. 
These  giants  steadily  each  round  of  months 
Lift  up  their  heads  still  higher,  taller  soar. 
Great  Dagon  must  have  living  sacrifice; 
Alive  his  meat  must  be.     In  captive  state 
To  bring  a  full-grown  giant  to  our  land 
Would  prove  by  far  too  arduous  a  task. 
What  fetters,  chains  or  manacles  are  there 
So  strong,  so  stout,  so  intricately  made, 
As  can  withstand  the  strength  of  limbs  so  huge, 
Unused  to  bonds,  rebellious  of  restraint? 
These  proud  and  stately  creatures  welcome  death, 
Accept  the  sword  in  arrogant  disdain, 
Prefer  to  die  than  to  submit  to  chains. 
For  many  years  our  valiant  fighting  men 
Have  havoc  wrought  against  this  stalwart  tribe 
To  purpose  good.   Their  dwindling  number  makes 
It  ever  harder  and  more  difficult,  ^ 

The  capture  of  their  sons,  their  tender  youths, 
Who,  in  their  adolesence,  have  not  won 
The  mighty  size  and  still  more  mighty  strength. 

MALCHALM 
Yet  did  not  Hamul,  Captain  of  the  Host, 

[23] 


Set  forth  with  ten  score  picked  and  fearless  men 
These  six  months  gone  in  eager  enterprise 
To  wrest  such  captives  from  the  Anakims  ? 

AARON 

Brave  Hamul  hath  been  grievously  beset 

By  storms  of  wind  and  rain,  hath  lost  his  way, 

And  suffered  hunger,  thirst,  and  cruel  want. 

And  now  for  space  of  three  months  come  and  gone, 

No  tidings  good  or  evil  hath  he  sent. 

Grave  doubts  possess  the  wisest  of  our  chiefs; 

They  dread  disaster  to  our  doughty  band, 

Fear  lest  brave  Hamul  and  his  men  are  dead, 

Or  peradventure  are  in  cruel  straits, 

Awaiting  help  from  us  that  doth  not  come. 

And  so  our  Lords  and  King  meet  here  today 

In  council  to  debate  what  policy 

Should  shape  our  course:  to  Hamul  speedy  aid 

Dispatch,  or  hold  our  hand  in  trust  some  news 

Will  shortly  come.     The  people  suffer  want, 

Their  urgent  cry  for  food  assaults  our  ears 

And  whips  our  lagging  purpose  with  its  lash. 

MALCHALM 

I  hear  the  trumpets  and  the  march  of  feet; 
The  Lords  are  gathering  at  the  judgment-seat. 

AARON 

We'll  to  the  temple  and  prepare  to  greet 
The  King  Abimelech  and  all  his  suite. 

[Exeunt. 
[Enter  the  LORD  OF  GAZA  with  retainers  singing. 


MEN  OF  GAZA 

Greatest  of  all  Philistia 

The  men  of  Gaza  march, 
Above  the  flashing  of  their  shields, 

The  heavens  bend  their  arch. 
Before  them  flies  the  routed  foe, 

The  cowards  shun  their  flanks, 
As  o'er  a  world  submissive  go 

The  men  of  Gaza's  ranks. 

For  he  who  moves  by  field  or  fen, 
Must  reckon  first  with  Gaza's  men; 
And  he  who  puts  it  to  the  test, 
Will  find  our  arrows  at  his  breast. 

[Enter  the  LORD  OF  ASHKELON  with  attendants  singing 

MEN  OF  ASHKELON 

We  are  the  men  of  Ashkelon, 

Good  servants  of  the  King, 
And  where  our  serried  thousands  throng, 

There  is  no  garnering. 
Yet  love  we  well  the  harvest  days, 

When  low  the  red  sun  shines, 
And  haloes  in  a  golden  haze 

The  maidens  and  the  vines. 

Come  back,  oh  days  of  peace  and  power, 
The  bride's  rose  and  the  passion-flower, 
And  let  the  yield  of  earth  and  stream, 
Make  care  and  want  a  distant  dream. 

[Enter  the  LORD  OF  GATH  with  attendants  singing. 

[251 


MEN  OF  GATH 

Singing  before  they  bend  their  back, 

Our  bowmen  take  the  field, 
And  what  a  harvest,  red  and  black, 

The  ordered  furrows  yield ! 
Our  quiet  women  at  their  looms, 

Smile  as  they  bind  their  hair 
With  the  gold  fillets  and  perfumes 

The  foeman's  women  wear. 

Make  ready  in  the  days  of  peace, 
For  what  may  follow  when  they  cease. 
None  but  the  King  dare  face  the  wrath 
That  stirs  the  mighty  men  of  Gath. 

[Enter  the  LORD  OF  EKRON  with  attendants  singing. 

MEN  OF  EKRON 

Death  is  obedient  to  our  hands, 

The  crash  of  echoing  steel 
Has  told  afar  in  alien  lands 

The  hate  our  ranks  may  feel. 
To  fight  and  love, — these  be  the  lot 

Of  soldiers  of  the  King, 
And  passion's  breath  is  not  more  hot 

Than  our  embattling. 

About  the  safety  of  our  Lord, 
Stands  fast  the  wall  of  Ekron's  sword. 
And  where  we  hunt  and  strike  to  kill, 
The  thirsty  steel  shall  drinkjts^fill. 

[Enter  the  LORD  OF  ASHOD  with  attendants  singing. 

[261 


MEN  OF  ASHOD 

A  guarded  mountain  fastness  ours, 

Across  long  leagues  of  plain, 
And  where  we  dwell  the  tempest  lowers, 

And  sweeps  the  hurricane. 
But  when  the  call  to  battle  rings, 

Right  ready  are  we  then, 
Quick  to  the  post  each  warrior  springs, 

For  we  are  Ashod's  men ! 

What  though  the  forest  dim  their  trail, 
The  men  of  Ashod  shall  not  fail. 
With  trumpet  blast  and  beat  of  drum, 
Across  the  desert  sands  we  come! 

GAZA 

To  Gaza,  noble  Lords,  I  bid  you  welcome; 
Too  long  a  time  hath  lapsed  without  this  honor. 

ASHKELON 

We  thank  thee,  Lord  of  Gaza.   Ashkelon 
Returns  thy  hearty  greeting  and  thy  love. 

EKRON 

The  harvest  moon  hath  run  her  silver  course 
Since  last  we  met  before  great  Dagon's  shrine. 

GATH 

All  hail,  great  ruler.    Brother  Philistines 
And  brother  princes,  I  salute  you  all. 

ASHOD 

From  distant  Ashod  have  I  travelled  far, 
Content  to  greet  you  'neath  fair  Gaza's  walls. 

[27] 


GAZA 

When  last  Abimelech  convened  us  here, 
We  had  brave  plans  afoot  for  eager  war, 
But  now, — alas! — a  far  less  joyful  cause 
Hath  brought  us  here  in  answer  to  his  call. 

EKRON 
An  evil  blight  hath  fallen  on  our  land. 

ASHOD 

The  stealthy  fingers  of  the  mortal  plague 
Close  round  my  people's  throats,  a  deadly  grip, 
The  only  harvest  Ashod  knows  is  death. 

ASHKELON 

In  Ashkelon,  my  Lords,  there  are  no  crops! 
The  land  lies  parched;  the  weeds  are  shrivelled  in 
The  paths;  Gilboa's  sides  are  black  and  seared, 
The  rivers,  Hebron  and  Chebar,  are  dry, 
Their  beds  are  dust.  The  fig  upon  the  tree 
Is  withered  and  the  cattle  die  from  thirst. 

GATH 

In  stricken  Gath, — the  richest  of  our  towns, 

The  city  of  Philistia's  mart,  wherein, 

The  rushing  currents  of  the  world  of  trade 

Flowed  nobly  and  as  nobly  ebbed, — where  came 

The  spices  of  Arabia,  the  silks 

From  rich  Damascus,  Egypt's  wheat  and  corn, 

From  Lebanon  its  cedars,  Syrian  figs, 

Heaped  woolly  pelts  from  Tartary,  and  wine 

Red  from  the  vineyards  of  the  Israelites,— 

'Tis  even  so.  The  produce  of  the  world 

Flowed  through  our  markets,  weighed  our  pregnant  ships, 

[28] 


Heaped  high  our  coffers!   Lords,  they  come  no  more! 
Our  galleys  founder  on  unfriendly  seas, 
Or  lie  in  broken  wreckage  on  the  shore. 
Deserted  are  the  marts  of  Gath;  the  streets 
Are  filled  with  mourners  hungry  in  their  weeds! 

GAZA 

So,  too,  in  Gaza,  humbled  in  her  pride, 

She  starves  upon  her  hills.  The  chink  of  gold 

We  hear  no  more.  The  jingling  shekels  cease 

To  sound  their  clinking  music  in  our  ears, 

Starvation  threatens  us!  ...  But  hark,  methinks 

I  hear  the  chanting  voices  in  the  temple; 

The  priests  of  Dagon  raise  their  prayer  in  song. 

ASHKELON 

The  High  Priest  Aaron  cometh  to  our  council; 
It  will  behoove  us  all  to  close  attend  him. 

[Enter  a  procession  of  priests  chanting. 

PRIESTS  OF  DAGON 

Dagon Dagon Dagon! 

Humbly  our  homage  we  yield, 

Lord  of  the  vines  and  the  harvest, 
Lord  of  the  flock  and  the  field, 

Guardian  of  streams  and  of  fountains, 

Mighty  one,  wise  to  direct  us, 

Fling  o'er  our  forests  and  mountains, 

All  of  thy  might  to  protect  us. 
Hark  to  our  voices  repeating, 
Hark  to  our  cries  and  entreating, 
Be  to  thy  people  a  shield! 

[29] 


Dagon Dagon Dagon! 

Now  that  the  famine  is  near  us, 

Fallen  and  vanished  our  glory, 
God  of  the  powerless  hear  us! 

Lift  thou  the  crops  that  are  failing. 

Hark,  how  the  foeman  rejoices, 

Widowed  and  fatherless  wailing! 

Canst  thou  be  deaf  to  their  voices? 
Dagon,  all  wise  and  forgiving, 
Grant  us  the  sweetness  of  living, 

Thou  who  are  merciful,  hear  us ! 

\At  the  conclusion  of  the  hymny  AARON,  followed  by 
MALCOLM,  appears  at  the  portals  of  the  temple,  the 
ranks  of  the  priests  divide,,  and  the  HIGH  PRIEST 
comes  down  stage ,  and  addresses  the  LORDS. 

AARON 

We  gather  here  today  'neath  Gaza's  walls 
To  make  complaint  before  our  worthy  King, 
And  tell  of  grave  affliction  that  hath  come 
Upon  the  people  of  our  fatherland. 
Full  well  I  know  the  justice  of  your  plaints; 
We  face  indeed  a  situation  grave; 
Yet  ere  this  council  doth  begin,  I  beg 
You  heed  advice. 

ASHKELON 

Most  Holy  Priest,  your  words 
Have  ever  had  a  welcome  in  our  hearts. 
No  admonition  know  we  more  revered 
Than  thine.    We  importune  thee  to  advise. 

AARON 

Apostle  of  our  sacred  god  am  I, 
His  inmost  confidence  is  mine,  and  when 

[30] 


I  speak,  great  Dagon  speaks,  and  by  my  mouth 
His  voice  is  heard.    Give  heed,  oh  Philistines, 
To  D agon's  words. 

GATH 

Most  humbly  we  attend. 

AARON 

Thus  spake  the  god:  "I,  Dagon,  am  incensed, 
My  wrath  is  kindled,  hot  my  anger  is. 
My  fury  flameth,  and  my  wrath  is  fierce. 
Accursed  be  my  people  for  their  sins, 
May  they  know  famine,  suffer  pestilence, 
May  death  their  portion  be,  and  may  their  seed 
Be  scattered  to  the  corners  of  the  earth. 
For  they  have  chosen  to  neglect  their  god, 
Forgotten  to  make  sacrifice  to  him, 
No  homage  paid,  no  tribute  have  they  brought, 
No  longer  do  they  make  their  first  concern 
My  needs.    I  shall  abandon  them  in  turn; 
Annihilation  shall  their  portion  be, 
Disease  and  hunger,  war  and  pestilence 
Shall  swiftly  blot  them  from  the  face  of  earth! 

ASHOD 

Oh,  dreadful  doom! — Oh,  fearful  punishment 
Our  sinful  heedlessness  hath  well  deserved ! 

EKRON 

Good  Aaron,  we  beseech  thee  to  avert 
This  dreadful  fate.    We  beg  thee  intercede 
For  us,  placate  the  god,  forgiveness  win. 

ASHOD 
Instruct  us  what  to  do  to  make  amends, 


And  for  our  wicked  negligence  atone. 

AARON 

Nay,  listen  yet  awhile  how  spake  the  god: 

"I,  Dagon,  am  ahungered, — starved  my  soul. 

God  though  I  am,  I  crave  both  drink  and  food, 

Oblation  and  libation  must  I  have. 

My  faithful  priests  devoutly  sing  their  songs, 

And  tend  my  vacant  altar  day  and  night; 

The  ceremonies  and  the  chants  of  praise, 

Are  well  enough,  but  this  sufficeth  not. 

The  smoke  of  sacrifice,  the  drip  of  blood, 

The  sav'ry  scent  of  crisping  noble  flesh, 

Alone  will  satisfy  my  gnawing  need. 

With  base-born  slaves,  and  common,  bleating  sheep, 

My  sacred  altar  have  you  dared  defile. 

Until  ye  make  a  fitting  offering, 

Calamity  shall  hound  your  steps.  When  next 

The  moon  hath  waned  above  Philistia, 

My  patience  ends,  and  with  a  mighty  sweep 

Your  walls  shall  crumble,  cities  disappear, 

Yourselves,  your  children,  all  shall  I  destroy, 

Exterminate  your  race." 

GAZA 

Oh  hideous  fate ! 
What  hath  befallen  us! 

GATH 

Good  Aaron,  plead 
Our  cause,  avert  so  terrible  a  doom ! 

AARON 

Lords  of  the  Philistines,  hark  well  to  me: — 
Our  incensed  deity  we  may  placate 


With  speedy  offering  of  some  royal  youth 

Whose  blood  shall  straightway  feed  the  altar  fire. 

You  come  here  with  the  story  of  your  griefs, 

Each  one  believing  his  the  greatest  plight 

Among  you  all.    My  Lords,  your  woes  will  cease, 

Your  troubles  disappear  when  Dagon  dines. 

Abimelech  will  soon  be  here, — e'en  now 

Methought  I  heard  his  trumpets  at  our  walls, — 

When  he  arrives,  I  charge  you  earnestly 

Waste  not  your  breath  in  repetitions  dull 

Of  this  great  woe  and  that  calamity, 

Of  how  the  cattle  died,  how  failed  the  crops, 

But  take  with  him  a  tone  of  stern  rebuke, 

Of  censure — aye,  of  censure !     Have  no  fear, 

But  tax  him  with  his  failure  to  provide 

Our  god  with  food.     Demand  from  him  account 

Of  how  it  comes  no  offering  has  been  made 

In  all  these  moons!     He  is  responsible, 

See  that  ye  hold  him  so!     Which  of  ye  here 

Would  hesitate  to  blame  a  son  who  failed 

His  aged  father  when  that  father  begged 

Of  him  some  needy  food?   Abimelech 

Hath  failed  his  father  so;  our  mighty  god 

Is  procreator  of  Abimelech! 

Shall  you  permit  the  King  to  starve  your  god, 

The  father  of  us  all  ? 

ASHKELON 

Not  so, — not  so! 

Abimelech  in  stern  accounting  shall 
Be  called,  and  I  for  one  shall  beard  his  wrath, 
And  tax  him  roundly  with  his  negligence. 
I  have  no  fear  of  him ! 

[33] 


GAZA 

Nor  I! 

EKRON 

Nor  I! 

[Horns  off  stage  and  the  music  of  a  march. 

AARON 

List,  'tis  Abimelech!  The  King's  at  hand! 
Heed  well  the  words  with  which  I  Ve  counselled  you, 
Forget  the  speeches  ready  on  your  tongues 
With  which  you  planned  to  stir  our  sympathy 
And  move  this  synod.  Gird  yourselves  instead 
With  what  determination  ye  may  claim 
To  call  the  polished  forces  of  the  King 
To  an  accounting  for  his  culpable 
Default,  and  charge  him  he  provide  straight-way 
The  princely  sacrifice  that  shall  appease 
Your  justly  angry  and  neglected  god! 

[Enter  KING  ABIMELECH,  resplendently  costumed, 
drawn  in  a  cbariot  yoked  to  white  bullocks  capari 
soned  in  housings  of  gold  and  purple,  followed  by 
military  guard,  attendants  and  slaves,  including 
AMON,  SISERA  andBoAz. 

SONG  OF  THE  KING'S  MEN 

KING'S  MEN 
Who  doubts  our  country's  power? 

Who  challenges  our  host? 
Behold  our  glorious  hour, 
And  harken  to  our  boast! 

Hail  to  Philistia, — hail! 

[34] 


Forever  strong  and  splendid, 

Our  conquering  voices  raise, 
A  chorus  never-ended, 

In  great  Philistia's  praise. 

Hail  to  Philistia, — hail! 

How  weak  their  walls  before  us ! 

How  swift  their  sudden  rout! 
Beneath  the  fiery  chorus 

Of  our  great  battle  shout! 

Hail  to  Philistia, — hail! 

Philistia, — mighty  nation, — 

Be  glorious  in  war, 
And  we  in  deep  prostration 

Shall  praise  thee  evermore! 

Hail  to  Philistia, — hail! 

KING 

My  Lords  and  faithful  friends,  most  reverend  Priest, 
I  bid  you  royal  greeting, — one  and  all. 

[to  Gatb. 
Most  cordial  salutations,  gracious  Prince; 

[to  Asbod. 

My  Lord  of  Ashod,  welcome  to  our  court, 
I  know  the  weary  journey  that  is  thine, 
Ere  Gaza's  walls  confront  thy  tired  eyes. 

[to  Gaza. 

And  thou, — thy  city's  battlements  must  lift 
Their  rock-hewn  heads  in  proud  acknowledgment 
Each  time  affairs  of  state  necessitate 
The  gathering  here  within  your  stately  gates 
Of  so  resplendent  an  illustrious  group. 

[35] 


GAZA 

Indeed,  'tis  so,  yet  this  occasion  did 
Display  so  grave  a  face  methought  'twould  be 
More  seemly  were  our  city's  walls  festooned 
With  drapes  of  deepest  hues  and  darkest  dyes. 

KING 

A  proper  voucher  of  our  sympathy, 
Today,  when  all  the  people  are  in  want. 

GAZA 

Yet  think  not  Gaza's  Lord  insensible 
To  honor  Gaza  gains  through  company 
Of  so  distinguished  and  august  a  mien. 

KING 

'Tis  well.  Let's  to  our  business.  We'll  dispense 
With  ceremony.  Grave  reports  I  hear 
Of  evils  that  beset  from  every  side. 
What  say  you  now,  my  Lord  of  Ashkelon? 
Your  grave  foreboding  looks  bespeak  dark  thoughts. 

ASHKELON 

In  truth,  they  are  both  serious  and  sad, 
But  I  shall  not  attempt  to  here  describe 
The  canopy  of  blackest  gloom  that  hangs 
O'er  Ashkelon.     Against  our  weary  lips 
Is  pressed  the  cup  of  salt  adversity,^ 
And  one  and  all  have  drained  the  contents  deep. 
The  specter  of  disaster  stalks  abroad; 
Philistia  hath  come  on  evil  days. 
'Tis  so  in  all  the  cities  of  the  land, 
Our  aching  eyes  find  daily  proof  of  it. 
But  let  this  recitation  of  our  woes 

[36] 


Abide  awhile;  let's  seek  the  cause,  the  cause 
For  all  these  ills,  for  cause  most  surely  must 
There  be  for  so  much  universal  grief! 

EKRON 

My  brother  speaks  with  wisdom.     Is  there  smoke 
Where  fire  burneth  not?    For  common  ills 
There  must  be  common  cause. 

KING 

And  who  is  wise 
To  tell  us  what  occasions  all  this  woe? 

ASHKELON 

I'll  be  so  bold.     Great  Dagon  is  ahungered! 
Our  sacred  god  hath  known  no  sacrifice 
Of  noble  blood  for  space  of  nigh  a  year. 
For  our  neglect  his  vengeance  scorcheth  us, 
And  from  his  hand  come  these  afflictions  dire! 

ASHOD 

'Tis  punishment  for  our  indifference; 
'Gainst  Dagon  have  we  sinned  most  grievously! 

GAZA 

His  scourge  is  on  our  backs;  he  plies  the  lash 
And  flogs  us  with  disaster  on  disaster! 

ASHKELON 

The  voice  of  all  Philistia  cries  out 
For  sacrifice  to  light  its  altar  fires. 

KING 

Six  months  ago,  great  Hamul  was  despatched 

Into  the  land  of  giants  to  secure 

A  captive  for  our  sacrifice.  And  now, 

[37] 


Four  moons  have  gone,  the  tidings  cometh  not; 
We  know  not  if  he  lives  or  dies. 

ASHKELON 

And  in  the  meantime,  crops  have  failed,  our  marts 
Are  closed,  the  cattle  die,  the  children  faint 
From  lack  of  food! 

KING 

Yet  patience,  Ashkelon! 
Success  must  wait  on  Hamul  's  feats  of  arms, 
And  reason  have  we  to  expect  success. 
The  Oracle  of  Ekron  hath  declared 
That  Hamul  would  prevail  against  the  foe, 
And  bring  to  Dagon  fitting  sacrifice. 

EKRON 

With  mine  own  ears  heard  I  the  oracle 
Thus  speak,  foretelling  victory  for  us. 

AARON 

"I  hunger/*  said  the  god,  "make  sacrifice 
Upon  my  altar  or  destruction  waits!" 
The  Oracle  of  Ekron  prophesies,— 
But  doth  it  say  when  Hamul  shall  return? 
Return  mayhap  when  all  of  us  are  dead. 

ASHKELON 

Thou  hearest  what  the  Priest  of  Dagon  saith? 
What  answereth  thou? 

KING 

To  Aaron's  words  I  give. 
Good  heed,  yet  have  I  faith  in  oracles. 
We  shall  have  news  of  Hamul  soon, — good  news. 

[38] 


ASHKELON 

And  is  that  all  ?    Thine  office  doth  thou  then 
Fulfill  by  merely  counselling  more  delay, 
And  saying  to  thy  starving  people:  "Wait — 
Wait  on — and  hunger  on!" 

KING 

What  else  is  there 
That  may  be  said? 

ASHKELON 

The  time  is  past  to  hope 

That  chance  may  favor  us.   Thou  art  the  King, 
And  thine  the  duty  in  this  bitter  hour 
To  satisfy  our  god,  and  save  us  all. 
Wilt  thou  not  lead  thy  people  in  their  need? 

KING 

I  like  not  thy  presumption,  Ashkelon. 
Dost  dare  to  question  then  thy  King? 

ASHKELON 

I  dare 

As  much  and  more  while  ringing  in  my  ears 
I  hear  the  children  crying  for  the  milk 
That  drieth  in  their  mothers  '  withered  breasts. 

KING 

Let  not  the  people 's  need  serve  as  a  cloak 
For  insolence !     Audacious  fool !   More  swift 
Than  Dagon's  is  my  wrath,  and  Ashkelon 
A  barren  wilderness  shall  be  within 
The  day  if  I  shall  choose  to  punish  thee! 

[39] 


GATH 

Then  may  thy  arm  be  strong,  O  King,  and  deal 
With  Gath  as  thou  doth  deal  with  Ashkelon. 

EKRON 
And  so  with  Ekron! 

GAZA 

And  with  Gaza,  too! 

ASHOD 
Forget  not  Ashod  in  thy  punishment! 

KING 
My  Lords — my  Lords!   What  treason  have  we  here? 

ASHKELON 

No  treason,  King,  but  fair  and  just  demand. 
We  challenge  thee  urged  by  the  common  need. 

KING 

Black-hearted  traitors!   Would  ye  flout  your  King, — 
And  beard  him  to  his  face, — defiance  hurl? 
Upon  your  heads  my  vengeance  then  shall  fall! 
This  night  your  naked  bodies  shall  be  nailed 
Upon  our  walls,  your  shaven  heads  adorn 
My  battlements,  your  children  driven  forth, 
And  with  your  wives  mv  soldiers  shall  make  free! 

ASHKELON 
Do  thou  thy  worst!    United  we  defy  thee! 

MALCHALM 

Thus  Dagon's  awful  words  shall  be  fulfilled; 
A  civil  strife  impends,  and  so  shall  be 
Supplied  the  means  by  which  this  sinful  race 

[40] 


Of  faithless  worshippers  shall  be  effaced. 
The  purpose  of  our  god  takes  shape  before 
Mine  eyes!  The  wicked  shall  destroy  themselves, 
And  brother  brother  kill,  until  at  last, 
Their  swords  against  the  consecrated  priests 
Shall  turn,  the  final,  awful  sacrilege 
Which  will  presage  the  speedy  doom  of  all ! 
MESSENGER  (of  stage) 

0  King!   Most  noble  King!   Abimelech! 

MALCHALM 
My  Lords,  forbear!   O  King,  a  cry  I  hear! 

KING 

1  heard  it,  too, — my  name  upon  the  wind! 
Perchance  it  is  the  message  we  await, 

To  prove  the  wisdom  of  the  oracle. 

\A  messenger  appears  on  the  upper  hillside. 

GAZA 
A  runner  comes  with  tidings. 

KING 

Bid  him  haste! 
ASHKELON 
Approach  thou,  with  thy  news. 

MESSENGER 

Most  gracious  King, 

Thy  son  is  here.    To  Gaza's  gates  he  came, 
And  now  the  people  shout  his  name  for  joy, 
As  through  the  streets  he  comes,  while  on  before 
I  ran  to  bring  thee  first  the  gladsome  news. 


KING 

My  son, — my  Prince!   O  best  beloved  boy. 
Art  come  again  into  thy  father 's  arms, 
The  gift  of  some  divining  power  that  shines 
As  light  in  this  dark  hour? 

GAZA 

A  year  and  more 

Our  Prince  hath  wandered  through  the  world  in  search 
Of  knowledge. 

ASHKELON 

Let  us  hope  'tis  gained,  and  that 
He  brings  his  new-found  wisdom  to  our  aid. 

GATH 
None  favored  more  than  he! 

EKRON 

A  lucky  chance 
Brings  Ackish  to  our  council  and  this  stress! 

[ACKISH  appears  on  upper  hillside  accompanied  by 
MOAB  and  DOR;  be  raises  an  arm  in  distant  salu 
tation. 

ACKISH 

Ho  Lords, — good  Philistines  and  faithful  friends ! 
If  in  your  midst  the  King,  my  father,  sits, 
My  greeting  first  to  him!    Salute  for  me 
Abimelech. 

[Shouts  of  welcome.    ACKISH  descends. 

KING 

My  son ! 


GAZA 

All  hail— all  hail! 
All  welcome  to  our  best  beloved  Prince! 

KING 
My  son ! 

GATH 

O  Ackish,  timely  art  thou  come! 

EKRON 
Our  loyal  greetings,  Prince,  to  thee. 

KING 

My  son ! 

GAZA 

Thy  countrymen  who  love  thee  in  their  hearts, 
Rejoice  in  thy  return. 

ACKISH 

Where  is  the  King? 
Where  is  my  noble  father? 

KING 

Son — my  Prince! 

ACKISH 

My  father!  O  my  King!   O  sovereign  dear! 
[Kneeling  and  kissing  hem  of  robe. 

KING 
Embrace  me  boy,  but  not  upon  thy  knees, 

[Raising  him. 

Come  close  unto  my  heart  where  thou  art  King 
Already  and  doth  rule  with  tyranny! 

r    .  ~  i 


ACKISH 

Thy  humblest,  most  devoted  subject,  Sire. 

KING 

And  from  thy  wandering  art  home  again  ? 
And  hast  thou  seen  the  mighty  Pyramids, 
The  pomp  of  Pharaoh,  Egypt's  pageantry, 
The  glories  of  far-distant  Babylon, 
Sennacherib's  resplendent  court,  and  all 
The  golden  temples  of  the  Ammonites? 

ACKISH 

Yea,  all  of  these,  and  saw  I  more  beside. 
Vast  wonders  upon  wonders,  marvels  great 
Surpassing  marvels.  These  can  better  wait 
A  time  more  fitting  when  thy  news  and  mine 
May  be  exchanged  at  leisure. 

KING 

Be  it  so, 

Yet  let  me  be  assured  that  thou  hast  well 

Survived  thy  journey,  and  that  all  my  hopes 

For  what  thou  shouldst  both  see  and  shouldst  achieve, 

Have  been  attained. 

PRINCE 

'Tis  even  so  and  more 

Than  these  has  been  accomplished  with  success. 
I  beg  thee  question  Moab  who  hath  served 
Me  faithfully  and  well. 

KING 

We  greet  thee,  friend, — 
Good  Moab,  hearty  thanks;  most  royally 
Shalt  thou  be  paid  for  thy  fidelity. 

[44] 


But  tell  us  now,  what  of  thy  journeyings? 
How  bore  our  son  himself?     With  what  degree 
Of  cordiality  was  he  received? 

MOAB 

In  every  circumstance  and  every  place, 
The  gracious  Prince  did  so  comport  himself 
As  best  becomes  his  honor  and  thine  own. 
He  hath  seen  many  marvels, — this  is  well, 
But  more  he  hath  accomplished,  for  where  e'er 
He  visited  he  hath  made  friends  for  thee 
And  for  Philistia.  The  Kingdoms  near 
Are  well-disposed.  The  nations  of  the  world 
Stand  ready  to  befriend  us, — take  our  part, 
And  send  us  help  in  case  of  untoward  stress. 

ASHKELON 

My  Lords,  may  we  not  benefit  ourselves, 
And  ease  the  anguish  of  our  stricken  land 
By  an  appeal  to  these  new  friends  ?   Our  Prince 
Shall  be  our  advocate  and  press  our  cause. 

PRINCE 

Hear  I  aright?    Didst  thou  say  "stricken  land"? 
The  "anguish"  of  our  people?    Father,  speak! 
Are  we  in  need?    What  mean  these  dreadful  words ? 

KING 

Thou  hast  returned  on  evil  times  my  son; 
Adversity  is  with  us.     I  am  old, 
Yet  in  the  long  procession  of  my  days 
There  has  been  no  such  dole  within  our  midst. 
Our  land  is  stricken!     All  our  glory  sinks 
In  famine  and  in  pestilence.     Today, — 
E'en  now, — we  gather  here  to  make  debate 

[45] 


As  to  the  means  that  shall  propitiate 
Our  angry  god.    And  while  I  urged  delay, 
The  Lords, — my  vassals  five,  e'er  now  so  true, — 
Did  threaten  me, — accuse  me  of  misrule! 

ACKISH 

What  now,  disloyalty  among  our  Lords! — 
But  I  shall  credit  them,  and  not  mine  ears. 

AARON 

'Tis  true,  and  I  did  urge  them  to  protest. 

We  may  no  longer  hang  upon  delay. 

Our  god  a  warning  hath  pronounced.   The  Lords, 

The  people  by  my  mouth  have  heard  his  words: 

Unless  a  sacrifice  of  noble  blood 

Burns  on  his  altar,  Dagon  will  destroy 

Us  and  our  land! 

KING 

I  did  remind  the  Lords 

That  gallant  Hamul  is  despatched  six  months 
To  meet  the  giant  foe,  and  to  procure 
From  our  hereditary  enemy 
The  sacrifice  that  Dagon  claims.     No  word 
Hath  come  from  Hamul  of  his  victory — 
If  victory  he  hath!     And  still  we  wait, 
And  starve,  and  starve  and  wait!     The  Lords  cry  out 
Against  my  counsel  further  to  delay. 

AARON 

To  wait  for  word  from  Hamul  is  to  wait 
In  vain;  our  Captain  and  his  men  are  dead. 

GAZA 

Heardst  thou  the  Priest?   He  saith  that  Hamul's  dead! 

[46] 


All  hidden  things  to  him  the  god  reveals. 

ASHKELON 
What  shall  be  gained  if  still  we  longer  wait? 

GATH 

The  angry  people,  starving  and  enraged, 
May  feed  on  us  for  want  of  other  food! 

GAZA 

Their  eyes  are  hungry  for  me  as  I  pass. 
They  stare  at  me  in  sullen  mood;  I  fear 
Their  baleful  looks. 

ASHOD 

The  desert's  burning  breath 
Blows  empty  and  consuming  from  the  east; 
I  dare  not  face  again  its  scorching  touch, 
Without  some  reassuring  word  that  will 
Appease  my  gaunt  and  famished  subjects. 

ACKISH 

Then 

Most  happily  have  I  returned,  my  Lords, 
My  timely  coming  proves  great  Dagon's  plan, 
His  purpose  that  'tis  I  who  shall  redeem 
You, — save  you  from  your  miseries  and  woe. 
Tomorrow,  with  what  fighting  men  there  are 
In  Gaza,  I  depart  on  Hamul's  trail, 
Nor  night,  nor  day  shall  we  know  rest  until 
I  come  upon  the  giants  in  their  land, 
Do  battle,  rout  their  forces,  capture  one, 
And  bring  the  prisoner,  chained  and  manacled, 
To  Dagon's  temple  yonder,  there  to  burn 
And  expiate  our  sin. 

[471 


KING 

O  nobly  spoke! 
Doth  this  suffice? 

ASHK.ELON 

The  time  doth  not  permit! 
Ere  Ackish  come  again,  our  cities  fair 
Will  crumbled  lie,  our  country  barren  wastes 
Shall  be,  ourselves  destroyed! 

ACKISH 

Thou  knowest  not 
The  temper  of  my  purpose,  Ashkelon. 

ASHKELON 

Thy  temper  may  be  not, — may  flame,  indeed — 
Yet  it  will  naught  avail  against  the  word, 
The  dreadful  wrath  of  Dagon.   "When  the  moon 
Once  more  hath  waned  above  Philistia 
My  patience  endeth;  then  shall  I  destroy." 
Thus  spoke  the  god.  Were  not  these  Dagon 's  words? 

AARON 

"The  screaming  of  your  children  shall  be  drowned 
Amid  the  crashing  crumble  of  your  walls. 
And  deep  shall  they  be  buried  where  they  fall. 
Your  cities  proud  shall  lie  in  ruined  heaps, 
And  in  amongst  them  shall  the  jackal  prowl 
In  search  of  carrion  and  carcass  foul!" 

GAZA 
Oh  woe !    Oh  woe  to  us ! 

ASHOD 

No  hope  remains! 

[48] 


EKRON 

The  oracle  is  proven  basely  false. 

[Enter  SOLDIER  on  upper  hillside. 

SOLDIER 
Oh  tidings,  Philistines!   I  bring  great  news! 

MOAB 

Behold  a  man  with  tidings!   See  him  there! 

ACKISH 
A  messenger!  (calling)  Whom  seek  ye?  Bring  thy  news. 

SOLDIER 

Advice  I  have  for  King  Abimelech, 
Let  none  delay  my  steps. 

KING 

Again  my  name! 
Who  calls  Abimelech?   What  now  portends? 

ACKISH 

The  King  with  all  his  Lords  holds  council  grave 
At  Gaza's  judgment-seat.    Bring  here  thy  news. 

[Soldier  descends  the  hillside. 
A  runner  comes  who  doth  proclaim  he  holds 
Glad  tidings  for  thine  ear,  and  thine  alone. 

KING 

A  welcome  herald  he,  for  news  that's  good 
Is  doubly  good  amidst  calamity. 

ASHKELON 

The  gleaming  shimmer  of  his  coat  of  mail 
Proclaims  his  calling. 

[49] 


GAZA 

Soldier  then  is  he! 

GATH 
Perchance  from  Hamul  comes  there  good  report! 

ASHKELON 
Fain  would  I  hope  yet  dare  I  not  so  much! 

ACKISH  (to  approaching  Soldier) 
Bestir  thy  steps.  Impatient  waits  the  King. 
The  promise  of  good  news  to  those  that  weep 
Doth  tease  as  doth  the  drip  of  water  cool 
The  throats  that  burn  with  thirst. 

SOLDIER  (reaching  stage) 
I  seek  the  King! 

ACKISH 

Behold  him  there. 

KING 

Thy  news? 

Let  not  delay  attend  thy  sluggish  speech. 
[SOLDIER  kneels  before  ABIMELECH. 

SOLDIER 

0  King, — live  forever! 

Thy  men  of  valor  shall  subdue  the  earth. 

Make  thy  enemies  thy  foot-stool, 

The  nations  of  the  earth  bow  down  before  thee! 

KING 
Enough !  Unfold  thy  news, — unleash  thy  tongue ! 

SOLDIER 

1  come  from  Hamul,  Captain  of  the  Host. 

[50] 


Against  the  giants  hath  he  handily 
Prevailed,  and  after  hardships,  grievous  straits, 
Their  thousands  hath  he  slain,  and  brings  he  now 
Their  Prince,  young  Saph,  the  son  of  aged  Rapha, 
Whom  Hamul  single-handed  slew;  and  Saph 
To  mighty  Dagon  shall  be  sacrificed. 

KING 

Now  praise  to  Dagon, — praise  for  evermore! 
Mine  enemies  he  hath  delivered  to 
My  hands!     Our  arms  against  the  foe  once  more 
Triumphant  have  been  borne!      Courageous  Hamul 
Philistia's  deathless  gratitude  hath  earned! 

ACKISH 

O  warrior  brave, — thy  country's  savior  thou! 
Our  grateful  love  for  evermore  is  thine! 

GAZA 
From  dreadful  doom  he  hath  delivered  us. 

ASHKELON 

Now  Dagon 's  hunger  shall  be  satisfied. 
'Tis  well;  the  vengeful  anger  of  our  god 
My  heart  did  fill  with  grave  disquietude. 

AARON 

The  sacrifice!  At  last  the  sacrifice! 
Good  Malchalm,  soon  our  altars  shall  be  red 
With  flames  and  blood.     We'll  heap  the  pyre  high 
For  the  great  feast! 

KING 

O  harken,  Philistines! 

Quick  spread  these  joyous  tidings  through  the  land, 
Send  forth  fleet  runners  to  our  cities  five, — 


To  distant  Ashod  first,  dispatch  the  news, 

To  Ekron  and  to  regal  Ashkelon, 

And  publish  it  in  Gath, — and  let  today 

The  daughters  of  the  Philistines  rejoice! 

For  woe  is  at  an  end  and  pestilence 

And  famine  shall  depart  from  out  our  midst. 

A  time  of  generous  plenty  is  at  hand, 

The  music  of  the  golden  shekels  heaped 

Shall  echo  in  our  coffers  once  again. 

The  giants  in  their  thousands  have  we  slain, 

And  Hamul  bringeth  captive  to  our  god 

Old  Rapha's  son  as  royal  sacrifice. 

My  Lord  of  Gaza,  lay  a  bounteous  feast, — 

Fat  sucklings,  beeves,  whate'er  thou  hast,  and  let 

Wine  from  the  grape-press  flow  both  red  and  free, 

Make  dance  and  song,  and  let  our  carnival 

Be  graced  by  that  kind  god  of  festival, 

The  Golden  Calf.    Bring  forth  the  god,  ye  Priests, 

And  set  his  shining  image  in  our  midst. 

Let  us  rejoice,  for  great  is  our  excuse! 

Let  us  rejoice,  our  armies  have  prevailed! 

Let  us  rejoice,  so  when  brave  Hamul  comes 

In  happy  mood  we'll  be  to  welcome  him. 

Lift  up  your  voices,  Dagon's  priests!  Intone 

His  praise,  sing  ye  his  glory  evermore! 

\A  hymn  in  joyous  glorification  of  D  agon  >  is  begun  by 
the  priests.  During  the  first  two  stanzas  of  the  song, 
a  table  is  brought  on  and  arranged  before  ABIME- 
LECH,  seats  are  placed  for  the  LORDS,  and  the  table 
is  set  with  viands  and  great  drinking  cups,  ^he 
feast  begins.  With  the  third  stanza*  the  character  of 

J  o  J 

the  music  change  sy  and  the  image  of  the  Golden  Calf 
is  carried  in,  in  triumph  by  the  priests  from  the 


temple.  The  paean  to  Dagon  now  becomes  less  re 
ligious  in  tone,  and  grows  more  jubilant ,  praising 
the  Golden  Calf.  The  image  of  the  Calf  is  carried  to 
the  lowest  stage,  the  priests  ranging  themselves  about 
it,  still  singing.  On  the  middle  stage,  the  KING, 
PRINCE  and  LORDS  are  feasting  and  draining  their 
drinking  cups. 

HYMN  IN  GLORIFICATION  OF  DAGON 

PRIESTS 

We  shall  sing  to  Dagon  who  is  master  of  our  fates, 

Let  us  lay  before  him  all  the  glory  of  our  praise; 

Silent  in  the  dimness  and  the  incense  he  awaits 

All  that  men  shall  bring  him  from  the  fullness  of  their  days. 

Dagon  thou  art  power,  thou  art  strong  to  help  or  hate, 
Who  shall  know  thy  splendor  with  a  heart  untouched  by 

fear? 

Gather  we  adoring  thee  outside  thy  temple  gate, 
Dagon,  thou  art  god  and  we  are  mortals, — dost  thou  hear? 

Let  the  bays  and  laurels  in  a  canopy  entwine, 
Bring  the  roasted  offerings  to  spread  about  his  feet, 
Pour  before  the  Golden  Calf  the  rubies  of  the  vine, 
We  shall  dance  and  sing,  who  find  our  victory  so  sweet! 

Calf  of  Gold,  we  greet  thee!  Let  thy  golden  heart  enjoy 
All  the  thousand  wonders  of  the  triumph  we  prepare, 
Lo,  before  thy  brazen  face  we'll  dance  and  sing  with  joy, 
Glorifying  Dagon  who  hath  heard  his  people's  prayer! 

{At  the  conclusion  of  this  chorus,  the  music  merges 
into  a  wild  dance  measure,  and  from  the  temple 
rush  religious  zealots  who  fling  themselves  into  a 

[53] 


mad  revel,  twining  garlands  about  the  neck  of  the 
Golden  Calf,  prostrating  themselves  before  the  idol. 
The  dance  is  interrupted  by  the  approach  of  HAMUL 
and  his  returning  soldiers.  The  priests  surge  for 
ward,  dispersing  the  dancers  and  burst  out  into 
the  following  martial  song  in  which  the  entire  com 
pany  join.  To  the  cadence  of  the  march,  HAMUL 
and  his  men  are  seen  descending  the  hillside,  SAPH, 
heavily  manacled,  in  their  midst. 

SONG  OF  THE  PRIESTS  OF  DAGON  UPON  THE  RETURN 
OF  HAMUL  AND  HIS  MEN 


Marching  erect  and  victorious, 

Swift  to  the  beat  of  the  drum, 
High  in  their  power  and  glorious, 
Home  from  the  conquest  they  come. 
Hamul,  we  meet  thee, 
Hamul,  we  greet  thee, 

Crown  thee  with  evergreen  bays. 
Maidens  shall  glory 
Telling  the  story, 

Children  shall  lisp  in  thy  praise. 
Waving  of  banner  and  trumpet  and  beating  of  drum, 
Out  of  the  thick  of  the  battle  our  warriors  come! 

ii 

What  shall  they  fear  who  are  fearless? 
What  shall  be  theirs  who  succeed? 
Swordsmen — eternally  peerless, — 
Earth  shall  resound  with  thy  deed! 
Hamul,  we  meet  thee, 
Hamul,  we  greet  thee, 

Crown  thee  with  evergreen  bays. 

[54] 


Maidens  shall  glory, 
Telling  the  story, 

Children  shall  lisp  in  thy  praise. 

Waving  of  banner  and  trumpet  and  beating  of  drum. 
Out  of  the  thick  of  the  battle  our  warriors  come! 

in 

Soldiers, — who  mastered  as  cattle 

All  of  our  enemies'  ranks, — 

Take  now  the  fruit  of  the  battle, 

Take  thou  Philistia's  thanks. 

Hamul,  we  meet  thee, 

Hamul,  we  greet  thee, 

Crown  thee  with  evergreen  bays, 
Maidens  shall  glory, 
Telling  the  story, 

Children  shall  lisp  in  thy  praise. 

Waving  of  banner  and  trumpet  and  beating  of  drum, 
Out  of  the  thick  of  the  battle  our  warriors  come! 

[-Sung  by  HAMUL  and  his  men  upon  reaching  the 
main  stage. 

IV 

Who  shall  destroy  or  alarm  us? 

We  who  are  thirsty  for  fight? 

We  who  have  Dagon  to  arm  us 

With  the  great  sword  of  his  might? 
Dagon,  before  thee, 
Lo,  we  adore  thee, 

God  of  Philistia  divine! 
Banners  we  bring  thee, 
Humbly  we  sing  thee, 

[55] 


Lord,  all  our  glory  is  thine! 
[  All  Singing 

Waving  of  banner  and  trumpet,  and  beating  of  drum, 
Out  of  the  thick  of  the  battle  our  warriors  come! 

[At  the  conclusion  of  tbe  song  HAMUL  stands  before 
ABIMELECH. 

KING 

Thou,  Hamul,  art  thy  country's  savior;  great 
Art  thou  among  all  men !   From  grievous  plight 
Thou  hast  courageously  delivered  us. 
Our  never-dying  gratitude  is  thine; 
Our  love,  our  children's  love,  their  children's  love 
Is  pledged  to  thee  for  all  the  years  to  come. 
Thy  King  will  honor  thee, — claim  thy  reward, 
And  it  is  thine! 

HAMUL 

No  recompense  or  meed 
In  land  or  goods  can  place  within  my  ranks 
Once  more  the  valiant  loyal  men  who  fell 
About  me  in  this  ill-starred  enterprise. 
A  sweet  escape  were  death  for  those  who  fought, 
Who  starved,  despaired,  and  struggled  on  this  march, 
With  thoughts  of  hearth-stones,  little  children's  smiles, 
The  arms  of  lovely  women  safe  at  home, 
Pursuing  us  with  haunting  memories. 
Reward  would  cheapen  what  can  have  no  price, 
The  glory  tarnish  which  we  know  is  ours, 
And  more,  mayhap:  persuade  us  to  forget 
That  what  we  do  as  soldiers  of  the  King, 
Is  for  the  King,  the  people  and  the  land! 

[56] 


ACKISH 

Thy  tongue  is  worthy  as  thy  feats  in  arms! 

KING 
We  thank  thee,  Hamul,  for  thy  deeds  and  speech. 

AARON 

Who  bringeth  sacrifice  to  Dagon  shall 
Not  want;  henceforth  he  shall  be  favored  well. 
The  god  shall  not  forget  thy  service  or 
Thy  valiant  deeds. 

ASHKELON 

In  grateful  Ashkelon, 
Thou  shalt  find  friends  and  glory  all  thy  days. 

GAZA 

And  Gaza  likewise  homage  gladly  pays 
To  thy  unequaled  valor  and  thy  might. 

ASHOD 
Thy  praise  in  distant  Ashod  shall  resound. 

GATH 

The  fairest  daughters  of  the  Philistines 
Shall  dance  before  thee  while  they  chant  the  song 
Of  thy  great  deeds  when  thou  shalt  come  to  Gath. 

EKRON 

The  promise  of  the  oracle  by  thee 

Hath  been  fulfilled,  and  Ekron's  gratitude 

Is  ever  thine. 

HAMUL 

Thy  praise  is  undeserved 
By  me,  but  due  it  is  to  those  staunch  men 

[57] 


Who  braved  all  hardships  blindly  at  my  word, 
Those  men  who  cheerfully  went  forth  with  me, 
Light-hearted,  singing,  hopes  and  purpose  high, 
And  who  were  destined  never  to  return. 
The  flower  of  Philistia  enrolled 
With  me  upon  this  fateful  march.  Alas! 
This  handful  of  that  splendid  band  alone 
Returns ! 

KING 

All  honor  to  our  noble  dead. 
They  perished  that  our  people  might  survive, 
They  died  that  we  might  live  once  more  with  joy; 
They  sleep  eternal  sleep  that  we  may  wake 
Anew  to  days  of  plenty. 

AARON 

While  we  mourn, 

Great  Dagon  hungers.   Tribute  to  our  dead 
'Tis  fitting  that  we  duly  pay;  but  let 
Us  not  delay.    Impatiently  the  god 
Awaits,  his  breath  grows  hot,  and  for  his  feast 
He  clamors. 

MALCHALM 
Let  us  speed  the  sacrifice! 

KING 

Produce  the  captive.     Where  is  Rapha's'son  ? 
Good  Hamul,  where  is  great  Dagon 's  victim? 
\¥he  soldiers  step  aside,  disclosing  SAPH. 

HAMUL 

This  is  the  prisoner,  the  noble  youth, 
Old  Rapha's  scion,  Saph  by  name,  whom  I 
Have  brought  here  for  a  living  sacrifice. 

[58] 


ACKISH 

A  likely  youth  of  truly  royal  mien! 
Methinks  I  have  beheld  his  face  before. 

HAMUL 

The  inauspicious  day  our  march  began, 
Misfortune  spread  her  subtle  nets  for  us, 
And  took  her  daily  toll.    By  avalanche 
And  tempest  were  we  crushed;  our  way  we  lost, 
And  groped  our  steps  with  hesitating  feet; 
We  found  ourselves  in  black  and  dreadful  gulfs; 
A  noisome  gorge  wherein  wild  beasts  did  rage; 
A  chasm  opened  at  our  feet;  sheer  cliffs 
Confronted  us  and  barred  our  path.    But  these 
Were  trifling  hardships  to  the  perils  fresh 
That  we  encountered  when  with  weary  steps 
'Cross  weary  miles,  we  reached  the  giant  land. 
The  foe  had  learned  of  our  approach  and  were 
Forewarned.    They  had  receded  to  the  heights 
Of  their  great  mountain  fastnesses.  Their  young 
They  hid, — they  knew  it  was  their  young  we  sought! 
We  tracked  them  days  on  days  without  reward. 
A  solitary  sentinel  on  guard, 
Occasionally  we  came  upon,  but  him 
We  quickly  slew,  and  left  him  where  he  lay 
To  rot.  Among  the  mountains  were  we  lost; 
Strange  people  hindered  us  and  blocked  our  way; 
Our  hands  were  bleeding  and  our  feet  were  sore; 
Ferocious  beasts  attacked  us,  when  at  night, 
Exhausted  from  our  weary  task,  we  slept. 
At  last  one  day  in  a  deep  mountain  glen, 
We  came  upon  the  aged  King,  himself, — 
Old  Rapha,  stately  monarch  of  them  all, 
Grim,  tall  and  hoary.    Round  about  him  stood 

(59J 


In  serried  ranks  the  stalwart  patriarchs 

Of  his  great  race.  They  towered  mightily 

Beside  him,  shoulder  touching  shoulder.  We 

Who  gathered  'bout  their  feet,  the  flaming  sun 

Could  not  discern  so  close  they  stood.    They  saw 

Our  gleaming  swords  flash  in  our  hands, — the  sight 

Sent  through  their  ranks  a  dreadful  shudder  deep, 

They  swayed  in  terror,  yet  their  silence  held. 

We  fell  upon  them  and  our  swords  drank  deep. 

We  thrust  and  cut;  they  died  like  stupid  sheep, 

And  headlong  tumbled  to  the  ground.  At  last 

Before  the  mighty  King  I  stood.   His  size 

O'erwhelmed  me,  made  me  pause.   Strain  though  I  would 

My  eyes,  his  lofty  head  I  could  not  see. 

His  girth  a  hundred  cubits  would  not  span! 

So  huge,  so  vast  a  man  I  never  saw 

Before;  I  trembled  at  his  giant  bulk, 

As  in  his  silent  majesty  he  reared 

Himself  indifferent  to  my  sword.   My  heart 

Misgave  me  at  his  stern  magnificence, 

His  royal  scorn  of  me.  Beside  him  stood 

His  son,  the  very  stripling  we  did  need, 

The  youth  whose  sacrifice  we  sought.   And  so 

I  struck,  and  at  old  Rapha's  knees  I  hacked, 

And  struck  and  struck  again  until  my  strength 

Began  to  ebb.  The  bite  of  my  stout  sword 

Made  small  impression  on  his  carcass  tough. 

Disdainfully,  with  royal  scorn,  he  spurned 

My  weak  attack.   I  prayed  to  Dagon,  begged 

His  aid,  besought  him  strengthen  my  good  arm. 

The  great  god  heard.  Old  Rapha  trembled,  blood 

Was  flowing  fast,  the  wound  grew  deeper;  then, 

He  tottered;  suddenly  the  old  king  fell. 

[6ol 


A  fearful  rending  sound,  a  hideous  roar 

The  mountains  shook,  as  at  my  feet  he  crashed; 

My  keen-edged  sword  then  quickly  pierced  his  heart, 

And  while  the  combat  raged  the  boy  stood  fast, 

And  sought  to  aid  his  father  where  he  might. 

No  thought  occurred  to  him  to  make  escape, 

Desert  his  parent  in  his  final  hour. 

When  all  was  o'er,  disdainfully  he  still 

Regarded  us,  and  when  he  saw  our  plan, 

With  royal  gesture  but  with  bitter  hate, 

He  held  his  hands  out  to  receive  our  chains. 

ACKISH 

Oh,  cruel  sight!   Oh,  vision  barbarous! 
The  son  to  see  his  father  murdered  thus 
Before  his  eyes !   And  were  it  mine — the  King — 
My  gentle  father  ?    No !  The  very  thought's 
Too  hideous ! 

KING 

Most  warmly  I  command 
Thy  courage,  Hamul.    Philistines  alone 
Such  burning  valor  know,  and  proud  I  am, 
I  am  a  Philistine.    Long  may  thy  arm 
Be  equal  to  thy  sword. 

AARON 

Let  Dagon's  priests 
Behold  the  sacrifice.  Let  Rapha's  son 
Stand  forth  that  all  may  see. 
[SAPH  steps  forward. 

A  goodly  youth, 

A  fitting  offering.   His  tender  limbs, 
His  soft  and  pliant  flesh  will  make  a  feast 
Full  worthy  of  our  god. 


ACKISH 

Tis  butchery! 

'Tis  wanton  murder  thus  to  sacrifice 
A  youth  so  proud,  so  well-endowed,  to  such 
Ignoble  death! 

KING 

O  son  of  Rapha,  thou 
Art  called  to  be  a  sacrifice  unto 
The  greatest  of  all  gods;  thy  noble  blood 
Shall  flow  to  expiate  the  thousand  crimes 
Of  all  our  enemies.  Hast  aught  to  say? 


THE  SONG  OF  SAPH 

I 

[Recitative. 

I  belong  to  a  kingly  race,  benign  and  ancient, 
Kings  who  were  old  when  the  world  was  young! 

Not  easily  have  I  come  to  this  hour  of  sorrow  and  death. 
Behold  I  am  Saph!   And  Rapha  was  my  father! 

[Singing. 

Mine  is  the  race  of  the  Kings,  when  the  universe  rose 

New  from  confusion  and  tempest,  e'er  man  had  released 
Hatred  and  tribehood,  and  war  with  its  evils  and  woes, 

Snaring  and  death  for  the  bird,  and  the  trap  for  the 

beast, 
Then  were  we  Kings  undisputed,  and  peaceful  our  reign, 

Then  might  we  shelter  the  forest's  small  terrified  things; 
Justice  we  meted  to  all,  without  quarrel  or  gain, 

Hear  ye  the  song  that  is  sung  by  the  Kings  of  the  Kings! 

real 


II 

[Recitative. 
Here  ye  see  me  in  chains — who  have  never  known  chains! 

Philistines,  ye  have  yet  to  learn 
That  in  harming  me  or  one  of  my  fathers, 
Ye  harm  only  yourselves ! 

[Singing. 

Ours  was  the  ruling  of  brotherhood,  over  us  shone 
Skies  that  were  silent  and  blue.   From  the  mountains 

above 
Ran  the  swift  waters  to  mirror  my  forefather's  throne, 

And  all  the  law  of  our  Kingdom  was  service  and  love. 
Then  came  thy  people,  with  ruin  and  murder,  and  death, 

Smiting  our  ranks;  for  no  cause  ye  decreed  we  must  die! 
Gone  was  the  silence,  the  peace  of  the  summer's  warm 

breath, 
All  of  us  fallen  or  captive,  as  captive  am  I ! 

in 

[Recitative. 
You  think  only  of  the  gold  that  Dagon  brings  you. 

In  our  land  there  is  no  need  of  gold. 
You  cannot  buy  our  souls, 

Although  you  would  sell  your  own  for  gold! 

[Singing. 
Philistines,  come  to  the  land  where  the  beauty  of  old, 

Lingers  among  the  green  shafts,  where  the  spirit  supreme, 
Brotherly,  loving  has  wiped  out  the  hunger  for  gold, 

Made  strife  and  hatred  fade  out  like  the  figures  of  dream. 
Cast  off  your  gods,  foolish  image  of  serpent  and  calf! 

Ye  are  the  gods  whom  the  power  and  kingdom  await, 
This  is  the  song  of  the  captive,  the  song  of  Prince  Saph, 

Fearless  yet  helpless,  delivered  to  you  and  his  fate! 

[63] 


IV 

[Recitative. 
Ye  have  no  thought  of  befriending  us, 

Yet  when  have  we  not  been  your  friends? 
When  have  ye  not  found  peace  among  us, 

And  buried  care  beneath  our  calm  and  our  beauty? 
[Singing. 

Ah,  be  ye  friends!  We  have  gifts  to  put  into  your  hands; 

Come  to  our  fellowship,  open  your  lives  to  our  love. 
Ye  shall  protect  us,  and  we  in  our  powerful  bands, 
From  the  rich  plains  to  the  heights  of  the  mountains 

above, 

We  shall  befriend  you,  encompass  you  'round  with  de 
lights, 

Make  for  your  leisure  a  haven  where  joy  never  ends, 
Through  the  sweet,  deep  summer  noons,  and  the  still 

summer  nights, 

Ye  shall  be  rich  who  claim  me  and  my  mates  as  your 
friends. 

ACKISH 

My  dream !  My  dream !  A  woodland  glade  I  see 
And  lofty  trees,  beloved  by  bird  and  beast, — 
And  in  my  dream  methought  a  sapling  danced, 
And  plead  with  me  for  friendship  and  for  help! 
This  youth,  the  dryad  doth  resemble  strange, 
The  face,  the  lineaments,  the  royal  mien! 
It  is  the  same!  .  .  .  O  dream,  thy  portent  still 
Is  darkly  veiled  but  I  have  faith  ere  long 
Thy  meaning  clear  shall  be  revealed!  .  .  .  He  came 
To  me  in  slumber  and  I  pledged  mine  aid; 
Now  stands  he  here  before  me  and  in  need! 
My  promise  summons  me  with  stern  command. 


AARON 

A  crafty  plea  our  clever  captive  makes, 
He  hopes  by  cunning  words  and  promises 
To  gain  our  sympathies,  and  so  avert 
His  doom.  'Twill  not  avail;  the  sacrifice 
I  claim.    As  soon  as  Dagon  is  appeased, 
His  hunger  stayed,  abundance  will  return, 
The  god  with  benefits  will  shower  us, 
The  shining  gold  will  heap  our  coffers  high 
Again,  and  plenty  shall  abound  for  all! 

MALCHALM 

The  sacrifice!  On  with  the  sacrifice! 
Let  Dagon's  priests  the  altar  swift  prepare, 
Ignite  the  fires! 

ACKISH 

Hold,  impetuous  priest! 
Let's  pause,  consider  this  while  there  is  time. 
To  sacrifice  to  Dagon,  this  brave  youth 
Is  murder  upon  murder!  What's  his  crime? 
What  wrong,  offense  hath  he  committed?  What 
Transgressions  are  his  fathers  guilty  of, 
That  he  should  suffer  punishment?  I  pray 
Thee,  father,  spare  this  noble  youth,  let  him 
Return  unto  his  kind!  The  blessings  that 
The  High  Priest  promises  will  emanate 
From  Dagon  will  as  surely  come  to  us 
From  deed  so  just.    'Tis  sacrilege  to  kill 
This  princely  boy.   No  good  can  come  from  such 
An  evil  thing! 

AARON 

Insidious  words  our  Prince 
Doth  speak,  but  heed  him  not.  The  wisdom  that 

[65] 


He  gathered  on  his  journey  ings  hath  touched 
His  brain,  hath  turned  his  blood  to  thinnest  milk! 

[AMON,  BOAZ  and  SISERA  now  push  their  way 
through  the  crowd  of  listening  LORDS  and  cour 
tiers. 

AMON  (kneeling) 
O  King, — a  boon  I  crave! 

KING 

What  now?    Who  calls? 

AMON 

Thy  slave,  the  humble  Amon.    Speech  I  beg! 
Though  thou  destroy  me,  yet  I  do  implore 
Thine  ear.  Oh  harken  to  the  earnest  plea 
Of  Boaz,  Sisera  and  Amon. 

BOAZ 

Sire, 
Petition  of  grave  import  offer  we. 

SISERA 
We  importune  thee  and  thy  mercy  beg. 

KING 

What  suit  so  pressing  it  must  needs  delay 
The  sacrifice  to  Dagon?  Time  and  place 
There  are  when  thy  request  more  fittingly 
Could  be  presented. 

BOAZ 

Twill  not  wait,  O  King. 
Indulgence  we  implore;  our  prayer  is  urgent. 

KING 

What  is  the  nature  of  thy  cause?  Be  quick. 

[66] 


AMON 

We  humbly  beg  thy  mercy  for  this  youth; 
Restrain  the  hand  of  these  his  murderers,— 
Unbind  him,  let  him  go  his  way.   His  words 
Reveal  him  as  a  god,  and  'tis  not  meet 
Or  just  for  mortals  to  decree  his  death. 
Atrocities  enough  against  his  race 
Have  we  committed.    Spare  him,  gracious  King. 

AARON 

What  folly  have  we  here?  What  shameful  talk? 
These  are  but  slaves,  their  words  the  words  of  slaves! 
Our  soldiers  die,  brave  Hamul  fighteth  hard, 
Endureth  hardships  great  to  bring  to  us 
Adaptive  for  our  needs;  are  these  for  naught? 
Was  such  a  toll  and  such  endeavor  vain  ? 
And  are  we  now  to  set  the  prisoner  free  ? 
Preposterous  words!  Enough, — away  with  them! 

KING 
I'll  smite  thee  slave,  for  thy  presumption  bold. 

ACKISH 

Nay,  father,  wait!    Set  curb  upon  thy  hand. 
Shall  not  these  slaves  presume  to  say  what's  in 
Their  hearts  ?    I  beg  thee,  as  thou  lovest  me, 
To  listen  to  their  plea  ere  judging  them 
Iniquitous  too  quickly. 

KING 

Ever  dear 

Art  thou  to  me,  my  son;  thy  words  have  weight, 
And  I  would  please  thee  if  I  could.   Say  on, 
Thou  slave;  what  is  the  boon  that  may  not  wait? 


ACKISH 

Fear  not.  With  heart  intrepid  speak  thy  mind. 
I'll  sponsor  thee.  What  is  it  thou  wouldst  ask? 

AMON 

My  name  is  Amon, — the  symbol  writer  I, 
And  on  the  scrolls  of  papyrus  I  make 
The  records  of  thy  numerous  exploits, 
Thy  deeds  and  doings.    Mercy,  gracious  King, 
But  I  have  grown  aweary  of  my  task, 
And  of  the  ugly  history  I  make, 
The  endless  chronicle  of  war  and  death, 
Of  pillage,  cruelty  and  bitterness. 
The  princely  Saph  did  sing  of  peace  and  love, 
And  I  believe  that  peace  and  love  would  bring 
Us  blessings,  bring  us  happiness,  and  days 
Of  plenty  and  of  ease  would  speedily 
Return,  if  we  espoused  this  different  creed. 
Instead  of  sacrificing  this  young  man, 
Let 's  set  him  free  and  send  him  home  again, 
With  friendship  pledged,  and  let  those  who  have  grown 
Dissatisfied  amongst  us,  go  with  him, 
And  build  their  lives,  and  choose  their  work  anew. 

AARON 

0  miscreant  and  dog!  Perfidious  wretch! 
Dispatch  this  mouthing  traitor  with  a  blow. 

ACKISH 

No!   Spare  him,  father;  hold  thy  peace,[High  Priest. 
Let's  have  the  others'  words;  I  would  hear  all. 

SISERA 

1  lift  my  voice  with  Amon  to  bespeak 

[68] 


The  mercy  of  the  King  for  this  brave  youth. 
I,  too,  am  but  a  slave, — thy  humble  slave, 
'Tis  I  who  shape  the  trumpet  and  the  drum 
That  call  our  men  to  war.  I  make  the  songs, 
Compose  the  hymns  the  Priests  in  Dagon's  praise, 
Sing  in  the  temple.  But  I  fain  would  seek 
Another  land  where  it  might  be  my  lot 
To  fashion  music  of  a  sweeter  sort, 
To  sing  of  love,  of  simple  brotherhood. 
For  those  great  aisles  of  solitude  and  peace, 
For  that  dear  beauty  and  that  harmony 
Of  which  this  youth  has  told  us  in  his  song, 
My  heart  doth  long,  my  pulses  leap. 

ACKISH 

And  thou  ? 

What  addest  thou?  Our  patience,  I  implore; 
Let's  hear  them  out  ere  we  our  judgment  form. 

BOAZ 

Full  well  I  know  the  peril  I  incur 
In  saying  what  I  am  about  to  say, 
Yet  must  I  speak  though  death  be  my  reward. 
I  am  a  sculptor, — Boaz  is  my  name, 
A  slave  of  thine  since  birth,  and  born  of  slaves. 
I  fashion  things  of  clay,  and  in  the  rock 
I  hew  thy  image  and  the  runes  that  tell 
The  story  of  thy  conquests.  From  the  earth 
I  mould  such  shapes  as  most  resemble  man, 
And  more  I  do:  I  mould  the  gods.  'Tis  I 
Who  hath  shaped  Ashtheroth  and  Dagon  both, 
Who  made  the  Calf  of  Gold.   These  images 
Ye  worship  are  but  hardened  clay  and  stuffed 
With  straw.   With  one  swift  hammer's  blow  I  can 


Demolish  them  and  build  them  new  again. 

Before  these  creatures  of  my  hands,  thy  Priests 

Abase  themselves,  thy  people  worship  them,    „ 

Beseeching  favor,  supplicating  aid! 

Now  ye  would  sacrifice  this  noble  youth 

Upon  the  altars  of  these  things  of  clay 

That  have  no  minds,  no  eyes,  no  hearts,  no  blood, 

That  are  but  plastered  mud,  packed  full  of  culm, 

The  sweepings  of  an  ox's  stall.   O  King, 

I  can  make  gods  of  more  imposing  mien 

Than  Dagon,  larger  gods  if  such  ye  want, 

But  here  before  you  stands  a  god  in  truth, 

Or  if  no  god,  the  symbol  of  a  god, 

Ye  would  do  well  to  fall  upon  your  knees 

And  worship  him,  for  he  is  inspiration, 

And  kindleth  aspiration,  attributes 

Of  gods  alone.  Oh,  free  his  hands  from  chains, 

And  let  him  seek  his  peaceful  mountain  home, 

In  safety  and  security  once  again. 

AARON 

0  impious  blasphemer!   Scoundrel!   Rogue! 

1  claim  this  wretch  and  his  reviling  mates 
For  yonder  altar.   Let  the  flaming  breath 
Of  Dagon  be  thy  answer  to  their  plea. 

ASHKELON 

Aye,  let  them  burn.  Mine  ears  have  never  heard 
Such  sacrilege.   We  '11  give  them  to  the  god 
They  dare  to  slander. 

GATH 

Let  them  die  the  death! 


EKRON 

They  have  blasphemed!   So  let  their  punishment 
Be  quick  in  order  that  our  sacred  god 
May  know  our  detestation  of  their  crime. 

ASHKELON 

Let  all  such  slaves  as  these  be  sacrificed, 
The  puerile  men  who  fashion  script  and  rune, 
The  base-born  minstrels,  scribes  and  chiselers! 
These  singing,  mouthing  weaklings  in  our  ranks 
Contribute  nothing  to  the  common  weal. 
Destroy  them,  burn  them,  let  their  craven  blood 
Pour  forth  on  Dagon 's  altar. 

ACKISH 

Hold  ye  all! 

My  father,  bid  them  halt!  Attend  my  words! 
What  would  ye  do?  These  slaves  who  dare  to  make 
An  intercession  for  old  Rapha's  son, 
Them  ye  would  sacrifice  as  well  as  him? 
My  Lords,  give  ear,  and  harken  to  me,  Priest,— 
What  say  you  Dagon  craves  and  needs  must  have? 
I  hear  ye:  "Noble  blood — a  prince  within 
Whose  veins  patrician  wine  doth  flow!"  He  stands 
Before  you:  I,  myself.   Behold  in  me 
Your  sacrifice.  Take  me,  and  let  me  be 
Your  offering,  but  bid  this  captive  go, 
And  stay  your  hand  from  punishing  these  slaves 
Who  spoke  for  peace  and  love  and  brotherhood. 
Am  I  not  royal  ?   For  a  sacrifice 
Could  ye  give  more  to  Dagon?  Let  us  haste, 
My  throat  is  bare,  my  blood  leaps  in  my  veins, 
To  spill  on  Dagon's  altar,  my  flesh  longs 
To  feel  the  flame  consuming,  and  the  hot 
Embrace  of  Dagon's  arms. 


KING 

My  son — my  boy! 
Art  thou  demented?   What  insanity 
Is  this?   My  son  for  Dagon's  sacrifice! 
Thou  knowest  not  the  meaning  of  thy  words. 

ACKISH 

My  father,  listen,  I  demand  thine  ear. 
Dost  thou  recall  my  mother?  And  how  fair, 
How  good  she  was,  how  comely  ?  I  had  seen 
But  nine  short  summers  when  she  went  away, 
Yet  I  recall  her  as  'twere  yesterday! 
How  well  she  loved  thee  all  her  happy  years, 
Yet  me  she  loved  the  more, — ah,  how  she  loved! 
Dost  thou  remember  on  the  night  she  died 
Her  parting  words  to  thee,  the  boon  she  craved? 
And  that  upon  that  fatal  night  of  nights, 
When  her  faint  breath  grew  fainter  as  she  held 
Our  hands  each  in  a  hand  of  hers,  she  begged 
A  promise  of  thee,  and  thou  madest  a  pact 
With  her  and  sealed  it  with  a  parting  kiss? 
This  was  thy  promise,  father,  to  thy  wife: 
That  when  thy  son, — myself, — should  be  a  man, 
I  should  be  free  to  make  thee  one  demand, 
And  make  the  same,  her  name  upon  my  lips! 
And  that  whatever  its  nature,  or  thy  wish, 
That  promise  and  that  oath  should  guide  thy  will, 
And  give  me  what  I  asked!   Most  upright  King, 
Dost  thou  the  pledge  remember? 

KING 

Aye — my  son, 
I  do  acknowledge  such  an  oath  I  made. 

[72] 


ACKISH 

Then  claim  I  its  fulfillment  here,  before 
Thy  court;  I  do  adjure  thee,  keep  thy  faith. 
This  captive  set  thou  free,  strike  off  his  chains. 
And  bid  him  go  with  promise  to  destroy 
No  more  his  race,  and  let  these  slaves  of  thine, 
Who  seek  a  country  new  of  comradeship, 
And  love,  where  once  again  they  may  be  free, 
Let  them  accomp'ny  him,  and  who  so  else 
Would  go  with  them  to  seek  this  land  of  peace 
And  harmony,  shall  follow  them  if  so 
They  list,  and  be  permitted  to  depart, 
To  serve  a  consecrated  band  to  guard 
These  noble  giants  in  dead  Rapha's  land, 
Protect  them  'gainst  disaster  and  attack, 
And  reap  the  recompense  the  princely  Saph 
Hath  promised  them  would  surely  be  their  own. 
Whilst  I  on  Dagon's  altar  shall  be  laid, 
Rejoicing  that  a  life  as  poor  as  mine 
May  buy  them  their  felicity. 

KING 

No — no ! 

My  son,  unsay  those  words.  It  cannot  be! 
I  cannot  grant  thy  suit!  Thou  mayest  demand 
My  kingdom  or  my  life, — my  very  all,— 
But  ask  me  not  to  send  thee  to  thy  death! 
My  son,  I  plead  with  thee,  make  not  such  claim, 
Consider  yet  again  what  thou  wilt  ask. 

ACKISH 

Not  so;  I  hold  thee  to  thy  royal  oath; 

As  King  fulfill  thy  vow, — make  good  thy  pledge! 

[73] 


KING 
I  connot!  No, — a  thousand  noes! 

ACKISH 

O  mother, 

Thine  aid,  where  e 're  thou  art,  sustain  me  now! 
Help  thou  thine  ancient  partner  keep  the  faith 
He  made  with  thee,  the  solemn  pact  of  death! 

MOTHER'S  SONG 

MOTHER  (off  stage) 

Child  of  my  heart! 

Body  I  made! 
I  hear  thy  dear  voice, 

Claiming  my  aid! 

O  King  of  my  life, 
Breath  of  my  breath, 

Keep  thou  the  promise 
Sealed  with  my  death! 

My  sweetheart  of  old, 
My  husband  indeed, 

Swiftly  the  prayer 

Of  our  firstborn  concede. 

Have  faith,  O  my  heart! 

As  I  have  in  you; 
Believe  that  the  best 

Will  follow  the  true. 

O  King,  live  forever! 

My  voice  thou  hast  heard. 
As  me  thou  still  lovest, 

So  keep  now  thy  word ! 

[74] 


KING 

My  Queen!   Thy  gentle  voice  I  hear  again. 
Across  the  barren  reach  of  empty  years! 
My  girlish  Queen!   My  white  and  lucent  flower! 
What  wouldst  thou  of  this  desolated  house 
Which  thou  left  dark,  forlorn  and  tenantless? 

ACKISH 

My  Mother  sweet!  Thy  loving  spirit  rests 
Like  pinions  of  some  tender,  brooding  dove, 
A  feather-touch,  against  my  cheek!  I  feel 
Thy  lips  upon  my  brow!  O  Mother,  thanks! 

KING 
My  son — my  son ! 

ACKISH 

Have  courage,  father  dear; 
I  must  do  this  and  thou  must  keep  thine  oath. 
High  Priest,  my  Lords,  the  sacrifice  awaits; 
Prepare  me  for  great  Dagon's  sacred  feast. 

AARON 

O  King,  we  wait  upon  thy  word.   Thy  son, 
Or  Saph,  the  captive,  must  be  sacrificed. 

[aside. 

Either  to  famished  Dagon's  jaws  will  prove, 
A  toothsome  morsel.  Even  now,  I  see 
The  crackling  flames  lick  redly  'round  their  limbs, 
And  smell  the  incense  of  their  roasting  flesh! 

ASHKELON 

An  offering  to  Dagon  must  we  have. 

The  Prince  or  giant  youth,  it  matters'not, 

As  long  as  sacrifice  we  speedy  make. 

[75] 


ACKISH 

Thine  oath,  my  father!  Come,  what  dost  decide? 
The  Priest  spoke  true:  we  wait  upon  thy  word. 

KING 

Accursed  am  I !  Go  then  and  have  thy  wish! 
Thy  mother  took  my  heart  and  thou  hast  robbed 
Me  of  my  soul!  Take  all  and  have  my  life! 

ACKISH 

Those  chains  strike  off!   Let  noble  Saph  depart. 
And  all  ye  others  who  would  go  with  him, 
Begone,  and  take  my  benediction.   Hold 
It  sacredly  your  duty  to  preserve 
His  noble  race,  and  find  ye  peace  and  love 
Among  his  strong  and  gentle  brotherhood. 
Young  Prince,  farewell!   Thou  hast  my  ardent  love; — 
A  benison  goes  with  thee.  Straight  return 
To  thine  own  peopl,,  live  to  Rapha's  age, 
A  monarch  strong  and  stately  and  benign; 
And  from  that  land  to  which  I  turn  my  eyes 
Beyond  the  fires  that  even  now  are  hot, 
Perchance  my  weary  soul  shall  visit  thee. 
High  Priest, — thy  servant!   Speed  the  rites!   I  sniff 
The  smoke  of  Dagon's  fires!  I  need  no  chains; 
Let  me  go  free  to  meet  the  furnace  glow 
Of  Dagon  's  kiss !   My  love  shall  after  death 
Return  to  comfort  thee,  O  Father  dear! 
Farewell,  Prince  Saph;  farewell,  a  long  farewell! 

[The  chains  have  been  removed  from  SAPH'S  wrists, 
and  be  now  lifts  bis  arms  heavenward  in  joyous 
freedom.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  foregoing  speach, 
ACKISH,  clasps  SAPH'S  hand  in  affectionate  fare 
well*  and  turns  toward  AARON,  who,  with  his  at- 

[76] 


tendant  PRIESTS,  comes  forward  to  claim  the  new 
victim.  SAPH, followed  by  AMON,  SISERA  andBoAzy 
and  many  other  Philistine 's,  begins  slowly  to  mount 
the  hill.  'The  KING  overwhelmed  with  grief  ,  and  with 
bowed  head)  leans  heavily  upon  the  supporting  arm 
of  one  of  his  attendants.  ACKISH  advances  toward 
the  temple  from  the  portals  of  which  streams  a  hide 
ous ,  red  glare.  As  he  starts  to  ascend  the  steps ,  an 
explosion  occurs  within,  and  the  red  light  becomes 
more  intense ',  and  greatly  increases  in  volume. 

AARON 

What  now!  What  hath  occured?   .    .    .   Stand  all  ye  back! 
Disaster  travels  swift  in  yon  red  gleams! 
The  breath  of  hell  blows  hotly  in  my  face ! 

MALCHALM 

The  temple  blazeth!  Dagon  is  aflame! 
His  altar  now  in  bloody  flames  is  wrapped! 
What  now,  High  Priest? 

AARON 

The  fire's  in  my  breast, 
And  it  consumeth  me!  Oh  agony 
And  torment!   Dagon, — mercy!   Spare  thy  Priest! 
Oh,  mortal  pain !  I  die!  It  is  my  death! 
[He  dies. 

MALCHALM 

The  Priest,— the  Holy  Priest  of  Dagon  falls! 
He  fainteth!  .  .  .  Lords,  he's  dead! 

KING 

And  look — and  look  ' 

[77] 


The  Golden  Calf  hath  crumbled!  Woe  to  us! 

[Golden  Calf  falls  in  pieces. 
It  is  the  end! 

ACKISH 

Not  so,  it  is  instead 
The  great  beginning  of  a  better  day! 
Lift  up  your  hearts,  my  people!  The  new  age 
Dawns  gloriously  upon  us.   Let  us  meet 
The  breaking  morn  with  joy,  for  Dagon's  dead, 
The  Calf  of  Gold  hath  crumbled! — We  go  on! 
There  lies  our  way;  our  course  is  toward  the  east! 
The  glow  hath  spread;  the  heavens  light  our  path. 
On,  follow  me.   We  seek  the  land  where  love 
And  comradeship  and  peace  abide;  where  care 
And  strife  and  envy  enter  not.   Our  gods, — 
Our  old  false  gods  of  gluttony  and  hate, — 
Are  dead  forever,  and  the  giant  race 
We  shall  befriend,  and  they  shall  shelter  us, 
And  in  our  championship  of  them,  shall  we 
Attain  felicity  and  perfect  peace! 
Beloved  Saph,  lead  on!  To  thee  and  thine 
We  pledge  our  shields,  our  swords,  our  trust,  our  love! 

[SAPH,  half-way  up  the  hill,  now  halts,  and  spreads 
wide  his  arms.  The  illumination  begins  and  gradu 
ally  increases,  approaching  its  height  during  the 
Final  Chorus. 

THE  TRIUMPH  OF  SAPH 

SAPH 

I. 

Sing  I  the  song  of  rejoicing,  the  triumph  of  Saph! 
Back  to  the  forest  returning, — the  wars  are  at  end! 

[78] 


Peace  and  prosperity  circle  forever  my  path, 

I  shall  go  singing  forever,  the  world  for  my  friend. 

Bind  up  the  wounds  that  are  bleeding,  recover  the  lyres, 
Love  shall  prevail  from  the  mountain  tops  down  to  the 


sea! 
Crushed  are  the  gods  and  the  temples,  and  cold  are  the 

fires, 
I  who  was  bound  and  imprisoned, — once  more  I  am  free! 

ii. 

Now  shall  earth  laugh  with  the  harvest  come  smiling  to 

birth, 

Now  shall  the  aisles  of  the  forest  re-echo  and  ring 
With  the  sweet  laughter  of  fauns,  and  the  small  of  the 

earth 
Shall  be  protected  and  sheltered,  shall  dance  and  shall 

sing! 

Glory  and  triumph  forever  shall  wait  on  my  throne, 
Mercy  and  brotherhood  live  in  my  glorious  reign; 
We  who  were  slaughtered  and  fearful,  and  torn  from  our 

own, 
Thus  shall  we  sing, — turning  back  to  our  forests  again! 


THE  END 


79] 


THE  MUSIC 

In  composing  the  music  for  "The  Rout  of  the  Philis 
tines/'  I  endeavored  to  translate  into  the  musical  idiom  the 
author's  conception  of  the  story.  In  my  effort  to  accom 
plish  this  I  have  used  certain  themes  indicative  of  the  prin 
cipal  characters  and  their  influence  upon  the  trend  of 
events.  I  do  not  wish  to  give  a  detailed  account  of  the 
appearance  and  re-appearance  of  these  themes,  but  prefer 
to  let  their  presence  at  various  stages  throughout  the 
course  of  the  work  be  self-explanatory.  If  the  auditor  is 
enabled  to  grasp  the  significance  of  the  occurrence  and 
development  of  the  musical  ideas,  my  purpose  will  have 
been  accomplished. 

The  entire  musical  work  is  based  upon  four  main  themes: 
First — The  Theme  of  Dagon,  the  god  of  the  Philistines-. 


IT  4  *•  j  **  j  n  jr  r^t 


> 
> 


r 


Just  as  the  actions  of  the  Philistines  are  inspired  by  their 
belief  in  the  god  Dagon,  so  the  various  ideas  used  to  char 
acterize  those  actions  are  derived  from  or  influenced  by 
this  main  theme.  For  example,  in  the  opening  scene  where 
Ackish,  the  young  prince  of  Philistia,  is  discovered  asleep 
in  a  woodland  glade,  "shrouded  in  the  mystery  of  dark 
night,"  the  initial  motive  sung  by  the  double  basses  is  one 
metamorphosis  of  the  Dagon  theme: 


M^  lira 


^f 

F8o 


=in 


Another  instance,  as  an  expression  of  their  religious 
fanaticism: 


oiif 


again,  as  a  martial  fanfare: 


as  a  manifestation  of  overwhelming  sorrow: 


TO 


n? 


i 


•w 


H-y 


TSf 


81 


Second — The  theme  of  Sapfy,  which  is  intended  to  repre 
sent  the  nobility  and  grancTeur  of  his  race: 


This,  also,  appears  in  many  different  guises,  alone  and  in 
combination. 


—  The  theme  of  Saph's  Love  for  Humanity  and 
Belief  in  Brotherhood,  which,  in  accordance  with  the 
author's  symbolical  conception  of  the  character  of  Saph  is 
always  given  in  combination  with  the 

Fourth  theme,  that  of  the  forest: 


The  work  is  scored  for  piccolo,  three  flutes,  two  oboes, 
English  horn,  two  clarinets,  two  bassoons,  four  horns, 
three  trumpets,  three  trombones,  tuba,  five  tympani, 
xilophone,  bells,  drums  and  cymbals,  tam-tam,  tambourine, 
triangle,  celesta,  harp,  and  strings. 

Nino  Marcelli 

[82] 


™<*^i^& 


14  DAY  USE 

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